27/09/2006

Petrol bomb attack in west Belfast

A petrol bomb attack on a home west Belfast is understood to be connected to an ongoing family feud in the area.

A number of people were taken to hospital following the overnight attack on the house in the Dermott Hill area of Ballymurphy at around 3.30am this morning.

It is understood that a number of devices were thrown at the property, destroying the conservatory and causing severe smoke damage to the rest of the house.

The family, who were at home at the time of the incident, were all taken to hospital where they were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

A spokesperson for the PSNI today said that a number of items have been taken away for forensic examination.

It is believed that the attack is connected to the murder of 39-year-old father of six, Gerard Devlin, who was fatally stabbed as he called to collect his children from Whitecliff Parade in the area in February this year.

Since the murder, tensions in the area have remained high, and police have revealed that they have spent a total of £1 million tackling the feud so far – with over 100 incidents being reported.

Anyone with any information on the attack is asked to contact police in west Belfast on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/KMcA)




Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 November 2024
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
09 October 2006
Two men taken to hospital after weekend attack
Police in County Antrim have appealed for information after two men were taken to hospital after being attacked at the weekend. The incident happened in the Coast Road area of Cushendall at around 2.30am on Sunday.
10 August 2016
Man Shot In Both Legs In L'Derry
A man in his 30s has been shot several times in the legs in Co L'Derry. The shooting attack happened in the Rinmore Drive area at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, 09 August. The victim was shot in each ankle and once in the thigh. He is currently being treated in hospital, however his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
26 June 2017
Man Shot In The Legs In North Belfast
A man has been shot in the legs in north Belfast. The paramilitary-style attack happened in the Jamaica Street area on Sunday, 25 June. The man was taken to hospital, however his injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
02 November 2006
Arson attack on County Down home
A woman in her 50s has managed to escape serious injury following a suspected arson attack on her home in County Down in the early hours of this morning. Fire crews were called to the fire at the house in the Lower Crescent area of Comber shortly after 2am, and rescued the female occupant who was trapped in an upstairs bedroom.