Bomb Attack Targets Antrim DUP Man

Politicians have united to condemn a pipe bomb attack at the house of a DUP candidate in Antrim.

The DUP Leader and Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson also condemned those responsible for the pipe bomb attack on the home of one of his party's council candidates, John Smyth Jnr, whose father, also named John, is a DUP councilor.

Mr Robinson said on Friday: "I had good friends, including the Rev. Robert Bradford, who were murdered by terrorists because they wanted to serve the community in front-line politics. No one wants a return to those days.

"I completely condemn those responsible for this outrageous attack on John, who is running as a candidate in the forthcoming local government elections. I know he will not be deterred from standing up for his community by the thugs responsible for this outrage," he said, noting that John has been strong opponent of anti-social and criminal behaviour where which he lives.

"I know that he will not be deterred in seeking to represent the views of ordinary people in Antrim who want to see their local area improved and not dragged down by those who would launch such a murderous attack."

The Alliance party Leader and local MLA, David Ford, has also condemned the incident.

The Justice Minister said: "I am absolutely appalled at this cold and callous attack. This is an attack on democracy, a right that every one of us holds dear.

"Elected representatives and public servants should be able to go about their important work without fear of attack. My thoughts are with John and his family as they try to come to terms with this sickening incident. Anyone with information on this incident should contact police immediately," he concluded.

The DUP candidate, John Smyth Jnr was in his flat when it was attacked.

Mr Smyth, whose father is a current DUP councillor, was in the living room and rushed in to put out the fire.

"If I had been in bed, I would be dead now, no question," the 30-year-old factory worker said.

He told BBC NI: "I am a night shift worker and had the night off but I couldn't sleep because I had slept through the day.

"So I was in the living room on the laptop doing some research for the election and watching TV when I heard this smash and an explosion.

"It sounded like a firework going off. There was smoke billowing down the hall and I ran down and my bed was on fire."

The victim made his comments as PSNI detectives were appealing for information following the attack.

"Shortly after 3.55am it was reported that a device was thrown through a bedroom window.

"A small fire subsequently began and was quickly extinguished, causing damage to the room. There were no reports of any injuries," said a police statement, which also reported that a motive for the attack remains "under investigation".

Anyone who has any information or who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Antrim CID on 0845 600 8000.

(BMcC/GK)