Police are investigating reports of petrol being poured through the front doors of a number of properties in Co Down in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Three houses in Bangor were targeted with petrol and police are investigating a link between the incidents. Officers are also investigating a report of suspected bullet holes in the window of a property.
Shortly after 12:20am, on February 16, it was reported to police that petrol had been poured through the letterbox of a house at Fort Avenue in the city.
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An individual said to have been wearing gloves, and their hood up and face covered, was subsequently seen leaving the area on foot. A short time later at around 12:40am, a second report was received of petrol being poured through the letterbox of a property in the Fort Drive area.
A third report was also received shortly after 3.30am of petrol being poured through the letterbox of another house in the Fort Avenue area.
PSNI Detective Sergeant Bell said: “We are also investigating a report of suspected bullet holes being discovered in the living room window of a property at Fort Terrace shortly before 12:55am. Further damage was located inside an interior wall inside the house.
“A man, described as being around 6 ft in height, 30 to 40 years old, and of a muscular build, was reported to have been seen in the area at the time. He was described as wearing dark coloured clothing, including loose fitting bottoms, a tight top, and he had his hood up.
“Our enquiries are continuing, and at this stage, we are investigating a link between these incidents. We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time, or anyone with any information which may assist us, to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 15 of 16/02/23.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Local Independent MLA Alex Easton, who recently lost both of his parents in a house fire, said the incidents were “utter madness”.
Mr Easton said: “I have spoken with the PSNI and this is utter madness. For some absolute idiot to have poured petrol through peoples’ letterboxes is just pure evil and wrong. No matter whatever the reasons, it is just not acceptable behaviour.
“Having seen what fire can do recently with the loss of my own parents, it horrifies me that someone could do such an evil act that could have killed four families and destroyed people’s homes.
“I would call on anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI so the evil thug and individual involved can be caught, and brought before the courts before they kill someone with their reckless actions.”
SDLP North Down representative Déirdre Vaughan said the attack on the homes was “deeply concerning”.
She said: “This is a terrible thing for any family to wake up to and discovering your home was targeted in this way would leave anyone shaken and unnerved.
“The discovery of suspected bullet holes in the window of a home, with further damage caused inside is also worrying. Any use of guns in our communities would cause significant fear in the area and nobody should have to worry about being subjected to this kind of attack.
“People in our communities just want to live in peace and I would ask those behind these incidents to stop immediately. Anyone with information about what happened should come forward to police and help them with their investigation.”
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