A former Mayor of Derry has challenged those responsible for burning his car as it sat outside his home at the weekend to come forward and explain their actions.
Kevin Campbell, Sinn Féin Councillor and former Mayor, was alerted to the blaze shortly before 3am on Sunday morning by his 16-year-old daughter who was sleeping in the room above where the car was parked.
Dissident republicans are being blamed for the arson attack at his Creggan home. The car was destroyed in the incident and three men were spotted running from the scene.
Councillor Campbell, a former IRA prisoner, challenged those behind the attack to come forward and explain why they did it - and to remove any threat against him.
The independent republican grouping Saoradh yesterday repeated their criticism of Councillor Campbell for speaking out against last week's petrol bomb attacks on police during Easter commemorations.
However, they described the overnight arson of his car as 'counter productive'.
A spokesperson said: "Saoradh can confirm that the Republican Movement in Derry was not responsible for the burning of a car outside the Campbell home.
"This action would quite simply be counter productive to our objective of building the credible Republican alternative to the status quo."
Numerous political and community leaders from across the city and beyond issued statements in support of Councillor Campbell and his family.
Police have appealed for witnesses to the arson attack in the Lislane Drive area to contact police.
A police 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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