A former mayor of Derry and his family escaped uninjured after an arson attack outside their home in the early hours of this morning.
A Renault Modus car belonging to Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Campbell [pictured] was set on fire outside his Creggan home at around 2.45am - and completely destroyed. Police say three people were seen running away from the scene.
It is thought the arsonists poured petrol onto the bonnet and into the vents of the car before setting it alight.
Cllr Campbell attempted to extinguish the fire himself - but such was the extent of the blaze that the fire service had to be called.
Had the car been not been parked facing the gate, it is very possible that the house could also have been affected.
Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney slammed those responsible for the attack. The Sinn Fein representative also revealed that there would be a solidarity vigil at Lislane Drive in Creggan tonight at 7pm.
“Firstly we would like to offer our full support to Kevin and his family," said Mr McCartney. "This must have been a very frightening experience for them.
“What happened last night was not only an attempt to intimidate an elected representative, but an attack on his family.
“It follows a pattern in recent years where the homes and cars of Sinn Féin elected representatives and activists in Derry have been attacked and set on fire by cowards in the dead of night. Our constituency offices at Ráth Mór were also extensively damaged in an arson attack.
“Kevin Campbell is an ex-prisoner and and ex-blanket man. He has spent his life serving the republican struggle and the people of Creggan. Many people have attempted to stop Kevin doing this, they failed and so will this. Do those carrying these attacks really believe they are furthering any cause by attacking his home?"
Utterly wrong
The attack has also been condemned by the Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership. A spokesperson said this morning: "This action is utterly wrong and must be condemned.
"If there are any issues within the community they should be sorted out through community dialogue. This attack is not justified or justifiable in any way."
Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Campbell, a former IRA prisoner, was Mayor of Derry from 2012 to 2013.
This is the second time in recent months that a car belonging to a member of Derry City & Strabane District Council has been targeted by arsonists.
In November, the SDLP councillor Brian Tierney's car was set on fire outside his family home at Glencaw Park in Galliagh. His wife and young children were at home at the time and were badly shaken by the incident.
Councillor Tierney, who is a friend of Councillor Campbell, said the overnight attack was a shocking incident.
"I totally and utterly condemn this attack on the Campbell family," he said. "I went through something similar myself and I know the effects it can have. I sympathise fully with Kevin and his family.
"These events have lasting effects. While a car can be easily replaced, when your front door closes at night, you still worry about these things happening again. It is shocking.
"I have great personal respect for Kevin, and it is terrible that this has happened to him and his family. I wish them all the best going forward."
Police are appealing for witnesses following the arson attack.
A spokesperson said: "Shortly before 2.45am it was reported that a blue coloured Renault Modus parked in the area had been set on fire. Extensive damage was caused to the car as a result of the incident. Three people were seen running away from the scene.
"Police are working to establish a motive for the attack and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information which may assist the investigation to contact officers in Strand Road Police Station on 101 quoting reference 249 08/04/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
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