Car rammed in to hairdresser shutters and set on fire in Larne

By Hannah Spratt

A hairdressers in Larne has been extensively damaged after a car was reversed in to the business and set on fire.

It happened on Main Street just before half 9 last night

.It’s believed one man travelled to the scene in the vehicle, a grey Nissan Primera, and then fled on a blue and white motorcycle driven by a second individual.

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said: “This was a mindless and reckless attack by individuals who have shown no concern for the people of Larne and no respect for the business people trying to make a living in the town. This business has been devastated by this attack and there can be no excuse or justification for what happened here last night.

We are currently investigating a possible link between this incident and other attacks on vehicles in the town over the course of the weekend. At this time it’s thought a falling out between two individuals may be the catalyst for these incidents however as the investigation is at a very early stage it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further on that particular line of enquiry.

To date two men in their thrities have been arrested as part of our overall investigation. A 30 year old man was arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged with GBH and Possession of an offensive weapon. He is expected to appear in court in Ballymena on 11 May. The second male, 32, was detained yesterday. He has since been charged with Common Assault and Making threats to damage property. He is due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates on 4 May.

Sinn Féin's Oliver McMullan has condemned arson attacks on a number of cars in Larne in recent days and called for more community policing in the area. 

Oliver McMullan said: 

"These arson attack on cars in Larne are nothing but criminality and must be condemned. 

"This situation cannot be tolerated. 

"Community policing was removed from Larne and it left a void that has been filled by criminality. 

"Larne needs community policing in order to address situation immediately. I am calling for an urgent meeting with the local PSNI commanders to discuss these concerns."