A YOUNG MAN living alone was targeted by an arson attack involving a petrol bomb.
The incident is said to have occurred in the early hours of this morning.
The man was fast asleep when he was woken by his window being broken, followed by a petrol bomb.
The perpetrator of the crime fortunately missed and the bomb terminated outside the window of the residence.
A taxi driver noticed the damage to the house and alerted the authorities, which came to inspect the damage and check the status of the man living alone.
Posting on the PSNI Facebook, the crime was reported: "Detective H is just back in from the scene of a sickening arson attack on Hillview Terrace, Dromore Street Banbridge which happened around 530am this morning.
"A vulnerable young man with severe learning difficulties was woken by the sound of his upstairs bedroom window smashing in as he lay in bed. This was immediately followed by a petrol bomb, thrown at the hole in the now broken window. Thankfully, the disgusting creature who threw it missed, and it set alight against the outside of the window and the window sill below."
The post condemned the attack: "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."
The PSNI appealed for information from any potential witnesses in the area: "We have been told a small dark car was seen making off from the area. Do you live locally? Did you see or hear this happen and see anything either immediately before or after that could be of use?
The post also asked any drivers with dash cam footage to come forward: "Are you a taxi driver or were you driving in the area around that time and have dash cam footage?
"The incident number is 354 of today. You can always speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
