26/07/2005

Police blame loyalists for Ballymena bar attack

Police in Ballymena are blaming loyalists for a bomb attack on a bar in the town early this morning.

Police and fire crews were called to the Glens Way Tavern on the Glenravel Road in Martinstown at around 2.30am and discovered the building well alight.

Once the blaze was brought under control remains of a petrol bomb were found at the front of the premises and a number of items were also removed for forensic examination.

Extensive damage was caused to the property however no one was injured in the fire.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity on the Glenravel Road between 1.30am and 2.30am to come forward.

A short time earlier, in an unrelated incident, a blast bomb type device was thrown at a house on the Antrim Road at around 12.30am.

Army technical officers were called in to examine the device and the road was closed for a time at its junction with Ballee Way. A number of residents from nearby properties were also evacuated from their homes and moved to a nearby church hall.

Minor damage was caused to the house however there were no reports of any injuries.

Anyone who can assist with either investigation is asked to contact Ballymena CID on 028 2565 3355 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(MB/SP)

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