Arsonists destroy family caravan

Jade McCoy’s mother’s caravan was set on fire in Cecilia’s Walk, near Bligh’s Lane, last Sunday evening.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire was deliberate.

“My mum had saved up for ages to buy the caravan and she was getting her car fitted with a toe bar this week so she could take the children away a few days during the summer,” said Jade.

“The fire has completely destroyed the caravan and my poor mother is left with nothing now - what these people did was completely heartless,” she added.

A spokesperson for Fire Service told the ‘Journal’: “N.I.F.R.S. received a call at 6:31pm to a report of a fire at the Cecilia’s Walk, Bligh’s Lane area of the city on Sunday July 3.

“Two fire appliances from Northland Fire Station were deployed to the scene of a caravan on fire in the area. Fire fighters using hosereel jets dealt with the fire and there were no reports on any injuries.”

N.I.F.R.S. finished at the scene of the blaze at 6.54p.m.

SDLP Councillor, John Boyle, described the incident as “abhorrent.”

“The family told me that whoever carried out this attack removed a gas canister from inside the caravan before setting it on fire - I think this shows a severe degree of premeditation.

“An incident like this is totally abhorrent and those behind this attack have no place in our community.

“The only positive thing to come out of all this is that no one was hurt - the area in question is quite built up and a lot of young families live there. Whoever carried out this attack showed no concern for anyone,” said Colr. Boyle.