08/02/2006

Arson attacks in Ballymurphy linked to unrest

Police in West Belfast were alerted to more outbreaks of trouble in the Ballymurphy area last night.

Police believe that these attacks are linked to the ongoing violence in the Ballymurphy area on five consecutive nights, since the murder of Gerard Devlin on Friday night.

Fire services were called to deal with a fire, which was started, at the rear of a house in Whitecliff Parade at around 9.15pm and a petrol bomb was thrown at a car, which was parked nearby.

At around 11pm, another petrol bomb was thrown at the conservatory of a house on Dermott Hill Park, however it failed to ignite.

There were no reports of any damage being caused and no one was injured.

Superintendent Peter Farrar today released a statement regarding the recent spate of attacks. He said: "Police will continue to work with the local community in Ballymurphy in an effort to bring this matter to an end.

"Police maintained a presence in the area overnight and I can assure that the police will be there today."

He continued: "I have seen nothing but support to try and get this community back on track.

"This community was tearing itself apart and everyone is pulling their weight to try and change that.

"We will play our part in supporting these efforts and will continue to work with those in the area to do that."

Yesterday, a father and son were remanded in custody in Belfast Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Gerard Devlin.

Two other men were later arrested, also believed to be connected to the death.

(EF/SP)

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