19/07/2002

Families ask to be re-housed following arson attack

Seven families have asked to be re-housed by the Housing Executive following an arson attack in Craigavon.

Vandals have been blamed for the attack at the Burnside Estate in the town which caused damage to several houses and a lorry.

SDLP councillor Pat Mallon blamed local teenagers for the attack, however, the manager of the Housing Executive in Craigavon, Eamon McKeown, said that residents were afraid to speak out because of an intimidatory environment in the area.

Five families left the area on Thursday afternoon following the blaze.

A family living in one house, which was the target of a petrol bomb attack on Tuesday night, have since moved out.

The Housing Executive said police had confirmed that some tenants had received threats.

(MB)

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