LISTEN: Woman vows to flee her home, after van rammed in to house in Derry-Londonderry

By Leona O'Neill

A group of masked men have attacked a family home in the Glendale area of Skeoge in Derry-Londonderry

A white ford transit van was driven in to the front of a house there before 9pm last night.

Neighbours spoke of also hearing gunshots during the incident and the gang smashed a number of windows.

One neighbour, who was too afraid to be identified said she has been left terrified by the incident:

Detective Inspector Jack said: "We received a report around 8:20pm that a white Ford Transit van was driven, several times, into a house, causing extensive damage. The van was then set on fire on the road, and masked men are reported to have smashed windows at the property before fleeing in two other vehicles - a red Ford Mondeo and a green Toyota Avensis. 

"Thankfully, no-one was in the house at the time and there were no reports of any injuries. 

“Police attended, along with NIFRS who extinguished the van on fire.  

"We are aware of a report that a shot may have been fired, however, our enquiries are at an early stage, and we are working to establish exactly what occurred and a motive for this completely reckless attack. 

“I want to make a number of appeals this morning, in particular about the movements of the white Ford Transit van, a red Ford Mondeo and a green Toyota Avensis. Did you seen any of these vehicles prior to what occurred last night? Did you see them travel together before the attack? Have you information which could help identify those responsible?
“If you can help our investigation, please contact detectives at Strand Road on 101, quoting reference 1883 of 03/09/19. 

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.”

Local Councillor Brian Tierney says anyone with information should bring it to police:

Neighbours tell me that several car loads of men came to house at Glendale Road #Derry tonight. A white van rammed into front of house six times, demolishing front of home and gun shots were heard at back of property. Police have area sealed off and burnt out van still there pic.twitter.com/9nzIF67mJP

— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) September 3, 2019

There has been an incident in Glendale Road, Fernabbey #Derry. A gang of people in a van and cars attacked a house in area. A van repeatedly rammed front of house and there are reports of shots being fired at back of property. Van was set alight in middle of road. Police at scene pic.twitter.com/r1WZmQFQz7

— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) September 3, 2019