Larne: Cars destroyed in arson attack on police officer's home

Three cars have been destroyed in an arson attack at the home of a police officer in Larne, County Antrim.

The cars were parked on the driveway of the property on the Glenarm Road and were set on fire at about 01:45 BST on Thursday.

The officer, his wife and their daughter were in the house at the time but were not injured.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is investigating a motive for the attack.

A line of inquiry will be the possible involvement of the South-East Antrim Ulster Defence Association (UDA), a loyalist paramilitary gang.

The organisation was behind recent rioting in Newtownabbey, County Antrim.

At the time, the police believed it was linked to a crackdown on its criminal activities.

But it is not yet clear what the motive was for the arson attack at the officer's home.

PSNI Det Ch Insp Dunny McCubbin said it was a "completely reckless attack".

"Thankfully no injuries have been reported in what was a terrifying ordeal for the officer and his family," he said.

"There are no words to describe those who would set fire to vehicles in the dark of night outside a family home when the occupants were asleep inside.

"Their actions stand in stark contrast to the officer who everyday serves our community with dignity, respect and courtesy."

Mr McCubbin said detectives were "keeping an open mind" about the motivation for the attack, adding: "A primary line of enquiry is that criminal elements may be responsible".

PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said the attack was outrageous.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said it was an "appalling and cowardly attack on a PSNI officer at their home, where they should be safe".

"I don't underestimate the distress that is caused by an incident of this nature at a family home," she said.

"Our police officers put their lives on the line on a daily basis to keep us all safe. My thoughts are with this officer, their family and colleagues."

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), which represents rank and file officers, said the attack was a "vile act of attempted intimidation".

"This was thuggery and an attempt to intimidate an off-duty officer...an act of terror, an act of madness," said PFNI chair Mark Lindsay.

Sinn Féin assembly member Philip McGuigan said those responsible for attacks on the PSNI had "nothing to offer society".

He said that in recent months there had been "increasingly violent rhetoric targeting the PSNI and police officers with sinister posters and graffiti appearing in loyalist areas".