Family targeted in petrol attack

A family of three in Ballymena has escaped injury after being targeted in a petrol bomb attack in the early hours of Sunday.

The living room of the house in Ballyloughlan Park was extensively damaged by fire in the attack.

The rest of the house was smoke-damaged. The three occupants suffered shock.

Ballymena SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan said he believed the attack was sectarian.

'Distressed'

Detectives said the front window of the home was broken before the fire was started.

Councillor O'Loan said the family was shocked and distressed but also conscious that a "very serious incident could have been much worse".

"When this type of petrol bomb incident happens and windows are broken and petrol bombs thrown, loss of life can easily happen and has happened before," he said.

"They are very conscious that they are very fortunate and they were aware of the incident immediately and were able to get the Fire Brigade out and get themselves out into safety."