Damolly Arson attack being treated as a hate crime

An arson incident at Damolly village in Newry in the early hours of this morning is being treated as a sectarian hate crime. Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the incident which took place at approximately 3.15am this morning, Wednesday July 12th. 

Inspector Browne said: “We received a report that a car had been set alight at the victim’s property in the early hours of this morning. The suspect is described as approximately 5’10, of slim build, was wearing a light coloured top and light coloured bottoms. The exterior of the house also sustained extensive smoke damage. We are treating this as a sectarian hate crime."

The car was owned by Sharon Loughran who stood for Aontú in the May Newry, Mourne and Down District Council elections who awoke to discover her car that was parked in her drive on fire. Her home was damaged significantly. It's the second attack on the property with UDA grafitti daubed on her wall 

Ms Loughran said “This was a horrendous action that very easily could have set my house on fire also. The arsonist that set this fire could have killed me. That this would happen to any one in 2023 is incredible. I cannot for the life of me understand why they are targeting me. I had no involvement in politics before joining Aontú. I am paediatric nurse in Daisy Hill Hospital. I love my job and I am delighted to work for both communities. The only reason I got involved in politics was to stop the closure of key services in Daisy Hill Hospital and Aontú are very active on hospital campaigns around the country."

She continued “I also cant understand why they would target Aontú. Aontú is only 4 years old. We have no history or baggage from the past at all. Indeed we have many Catholic and Protestant members. My house was also daubed with sectarian UDA graffiti during the local elections. But this is a radical escalation of that intimidation”.

“I am calling on the PSNI to provide the necessary protection that people like me can go about our lives without living in fear. I am also calling on community leaders in Newry to bring about what influence to stop this shocking violence on the 12th of July. I want to continue to work for my community. I have a human right to do so in peace”.   

Inspector Browne added “This has obviously been very distressing for the victim and our investigation is underway and we are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area or who may have captured CCTV footage to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 305 12/07/23.”

You can also  submit a report online using the police non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

Updated 12.30pm 12/7