05/08/2011

Man In Black Hurls Petrol Bomb At Police

Police officers responding to an emergency call in the early hours of this morning have escaped injury after a petrol bomb was thrown at their patrol car in Newtownabbey.

It happened during the early hours of Friday 5 August when the two officers were in an area near the Abbey Shopping Centre and en route to an emergency call from a distressed woman when the device was thrown at around 1.30am.

Disturbingly, the device was thrown by a man dressed entirely in black and with his face covered and described as around 5' 10" height.

It was hurled from a path off the Church Road - near the mainly loyalist Rathcoole estate - a short distance from the local Kentucky Fried Chicken fast food outlet.

The device struck the side of the police car before igniting and the PSNI said that the culprit then ran away down the alley.

Police are keen to hear from anyone with information or who can identify the offender.

The number to call is 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information about crime can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

(BMcC/GK)

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