11/07/2001

TWO PENSIONERS ESCAPE INJURY IN PETROL BOMB ATTACK

TWO elderly Protestant sisters have escaped injury after a petrol bomb attack on their East Belfast home.

The women, aged 73 and 79, escaped injury after a passing police patrol discovered a fire at their home and forced their way into the house in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

One of the sisters revealed they had been living in the area for over 60 years. It is believed that this is the fifth attack on their home in Madrid Street.

The area in which they live is an interface between the loyalist district of Templemore Avenue and the nationalist Short Strand district.

Fire Officers said that if it had not been for the vigilance of the passing police patrol, the women could have died in the attack. (MB)

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

05 February 2024
PSNI Highlights Available Support For Sex Abuse Survivors
Welcoming the launch of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which begins today, (Monday 5 February) the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has highlighted the support that is available to survivors, particularly of non-recent abuse.
02 February 2024
Appeal Issued Following Craigavon Robbery
Detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a recent robbery in the Craigavon area. A 17-year-old boy was travelling on his e-bike at approximately 12.
01 February 2024
Men Sentenced For Ballymena Drug And Money Laundering Operation
Three men were sentenced for offences linked to a drugs and money laundering operation in the Ballymena area yesterday, 31 January. At Antrim Crown Court, Troy Carley (27), Neil Lowry (30) and Marc Mitchell (32) were sentenced for a number of offences.
07 February 2024
Man Jailed For Manslaughter Of Andrew James Thompson
A 44-year-old man has been jailed for manslaughter and committing arson recklessly to endanger life having unlawfully killed Andrew James Thompson. At Newry Crown Court, Gary Anthony Magee was sentenced to serve seven years in prison, half to be served in custody and half on license, following his guilty plea last October.
14 February 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Women's Health Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled a new Women's Health Action Plan, designed to "pave the way" for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.