SINN FEÍN HAS challenged the people behind an arson attack on the car of a party activist in Derry to “come forward and explain their actions”. 

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney condemned the arson attack on the family car of Brian Moore in Creggan in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“Thankfully no one was hurt, although it could have been much worse as the family were in the house at the time,” McCartney said. 

“The criminal elements responsible for this attack have nothing to offer but continually bring a bad name to Creggan. They should get off the backs of the community.”

Extensive damage was caused to the vehicle and damage was also caused to the guttering of the house on Lislane Drive.

Moore and his partner both escaped injury after their car was set alight but were “very shocked, frustrated and bewildered” afterwards. 

Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle, McCartney said this was not the first attack on Moore’s car.

“I think, he himself reflected that where the car was parked… this house could have caught on fire,” McCartney said adding that it was “a tragedy waiting to happen”. 

“One hopes that as a result of this [PSNI investigation] the people responsible will be caught.

“You’re also hoping that the people who, if you like, are sending them out will take some responsibility and come forward and explain their actions,” McCartney said. 

PSNI Detective Sergeant Marshall described the attack as “reckless”, adding that those responsible showed complete disregard for the two adult occupants of the house and other residents in the area.

“This is being treated this as arson with the intent to endanger life, and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around this time and saw any suspicious activity or anyone who has information about this crime to contact detectives at Strand Road on 101 quoting the reference number 425 29/06/19.”