Local familydevastated by arson attack

The Hall family, who live in Rathvarna Drive, were woken in the early hours of Friday morning (December 31) to find their caravan on fire. The blaze was so fierce that the family’s three cars were also damaged in the attack.

“We were in bed and I was woken by something but I didn’t know what it was,” explained Angela Hall, whose husband and young children were also asleep in the house at the time.

“I could see orange light coming through the blinds and when I looked out I saw our caravan was blazing.

“I called the Fire Brigade but a neighbour had already phoned them and they arrived as we went outside.

“The police seem to think someone had broken into the caravan because the frame around the door had been cut,” continued Mrs Hall.

“I would use the caravan quite a lot so someone may have seen me in and out of it. There was nothing of great value in it but I have three car seats for my triplets and they were in the caravan at the time, which will cost quite a bit to replace.

“My car is a total write off, my son’s car was scorched and my husband’s car and neighbour’s car both had heat damage.

“It has been a total nightmare and there is no reason for it. No one seems to have seen anything but if anyone does know anything or saw anything suspicious I would ask them to contact the police,” added Mrs Hall.

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig, who visited the family, condemned the attack and said the local community were in shock.

“This is especially disappointing for the family at Christmas who have lost their family car and caravan,” said Mr Craig. “Having visited them I know the extent of their loss this Christmas and what an inconvenience it is to them, especially with having young children.

“I am appalled. Those responsible do not understand how much of an inconvenience they have brought to this family this Christmas.”

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police in Lisburn on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously using Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.