Petrol bombing condemned

Police are appealing for information following the attack on a property in Russell Drive on Sunday night.

At approximately 11.40pm, police received a report that two petrol bombs had been thrown at a flat. One exploded, causing minor scorch damage to a window while the other failed to ignite.

Three people who were in the flat at the time were not injured in the incident.

Mayor of Craigavon Councillor Carla Lockhart said: “I would utterly condemn this attack in what is a very settled community.

“The area in question has many senior citizens and indeed many young children and this type of activity is very distressing for them.

“I would call on anyone who has information concerning this matter to contact the PSNI and report it.

“At a time when Lurgan is struggling economically this type of activity does nothing to help regeneration of the area.”

Alderman Stephen Moutray MLA commented: “This type of activity in our local community is unacceptable and I would encourage anyone with any information to come forward to the PSNI and report it immediately.

“This incident has caused concern for families living in the vicinity and it is important that those involved are brought before the courts and face the full rigours of the law.”

Sam Gardiner MLA told those responsible for the petrol bomb attack that violence is never the way.

He commented: “Violent acts lead to other violent acts in retaliation. Violence only ever breeds violence and it becomes a cycle.

“It is very hard to break out of that cycle once it has started. That is why I appeal to people never to resort to violence to solve a problem. It will not solve anything. It will just make it a bigger problem.

“Any violent attack on a person’s home is an attack on the foundations of our society. It is a way of saying that nowhere is safe.

“No-one wants a society where that is true. People engaged in violence need to step back from it and ask themselves – where will this end, what will it lead to and where will I or my family end up as a result of this violent act?

“It is only by opting for peaceful solutions that we will ever create the kind of society in which people want to live.”

UUP Councillor Colin McCusker condemned the incident and urged those with information to go to the police.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Lurgan Police Station on 0845 600 8000.

Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.