Double attack in south Armagh
Thursday, 2 October 2008
DUP councillor William Irwin inside the fire damaged home of Fews councillor Glenn Oliver. SG4046
THERE were two serious attacks recently within a few miles of each other in south Armagh.
Two respected local ladies were the target of a callous robbery at their home at Cortamlet Road, Altnamakin.
They interrupted the burglars upon returning to their house and were physically abused.
Up to four assailants were involved in this serious incident.
Then, on Wednesday last week, the Tullyvallen home of 31-year-old DUP Newry and Mourne Councillor Glenn Oliver was the target of a sectarian arson atrocity.
Flammable liquid was poured through a window and set alight. This resulted in serious smoke damage at the property. Sectarian graffiti was also daubed on walls by the attackers.
Newry and Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy roundly condemned both atrocities.
Speaking about the raid at the home of the two ladies, he said, "I am disgusted at the nature of this attack.
“I have already called for greater PSNI presence and vigilance in the area to restore community confidence.
“I have been in contact with the family involved and it was clear they have been put through a very traumatic experience."
Currently, Mr Kennedy is particularly concerned at the obvious lack of police resources available in rural parts of his constituency and said he would be raising this with local PSNI commanders.
The MLA went on: "I hope those responsible for this incident would be apprehended, charged and convicted through the courts, with a proper period of detention - and not simply a slap on the wrists".
Mr Kennedy said the thoughts and prayers of the local community were with the family at this time and that they had taken comfort and encouragement from the support of their family, friends and neighbours.
“The Altnamackin community is a very strong community, which will unite to support the family involved and pass on any relevant information to the PSNI, to enable them to carry out their work".
Mr Kennedy then hit out at the attack on the isolated home of Councillor Oliver at Tullyvallen.
The Ulster Unionist MLA said he was appalled at the nature of the incident, and said he firmly believed it represented a very serious escalation in the current spate of sectarian violence.
"This was highly provocative and could have potentially far-reaching political consequences in the current climate," he stated.
Mr Kennedy also expressed relief that no one had been injured in the arson attack, but he condemned as "cowards" those responsible and appealed for anyone with information to help the PSNI in their investigations of the incident.
The local MLA extended his profound sympathy to his council colleague and his wife, who, he said, "had neither provoked nor deserved the attack".
Mr Kennedy concluded: "The attack was totally despicable and without any justification".
