Shooting Incident Reported In L'Derry

An appeal has been launched by police in Derry following a shooting and arson incident in the area just after midnight on Tuesday.

According to reports, a gang of masked men were said to be at a house in the Cornshell Fields area just after midnight. A shot was fired at the front door of the property, while a car was also targeted in an arson attack.

A family are said to have been inside the house at the time, and police have said while no one was injured in the incidents, the occupants were left badly shaken.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Tony Hassan condemned those behind the attack, saying: "The people who carried out this attack need to explain to the local community the rationale for their actions. We are in a new era, we are creating a new society for the younger generation and the people of Derry just want these attacks to stop.

"I would appeal for anyone with any information on this attack to bring it forward straight away."

SDLP Shantallow Councillor Mark O'Donnell added: "It's very lucky we are not talking about fatalities this morning. It looks like this family was specifically targeted and that is very worrying. Anybody who attacks a home with shots and arson are attempting murder, there can be no two ways about that.

"I'm very thankful that no-one was injured and hope that the victims are able to put this behind them, as difficult as that may be.

"I urge anybody with information to pass it to the police. These are obviously very dangerous individuals and it's imperative that they are taken off the street and brought before the courts."

Detectives can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101, or via Crimestoppers and speak to police anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(JP/MH)