Vulnerable Man Escapes Injury After Petrol Bomb Attack In Banbridge

Police have launched an investigation after the home of a vulnerable young man was attacked with a petrol bomb in Banbridge, Co Down.

The man, who has severe learning disabilities, was woken by the sound of his bedroom window smashing in the early hours of Sunday, 18 February.

Another attempt was made to throw a petrol bomb through the hole in the window, however it missed and set fire to the outside of the window.

A taxi driver called emergency services to the scene.

Police described the attack as "sickening".

A PSNI spokesperson said: "When such attacks occur, there is often speculation. Let us be clear - we know of NO reason why this man would be targeted. Having spoken to neighbours, they also are baffled, and understandably alarmed and angry. This could well be a prime example of why vigilante action and indeed gang land feuding is so dangerous to the wider innocent public and imprecise.

"Whoever carried out this horrific attempt on an innocent life should have no where to hide. If they had been slightly more accurate with their second throw, literally inches to one side, we could be dealing with a murder scene this morning. Help us find them."

Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd said: "This attack on a vulnerable young man has to be condemned. 

"The perpetrators could have killed this young man and others.

"I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI immediately."

(CD/LM)