Man's car set on fire during 'terrible ordeal' in Co Antrim

By Brett Campbell

A driver has been left badly shaken after a gang of men ordered him to get out of his car before setting it on fire in Newtownabbey. 

The victim was approaching Rathcoole Drive when he was obstructed by pallets on the road just after 1;10am this morning.  

He was stopped from driving off by around 10 men carrying pieces of wood.   

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for this man.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Detectives are investigating an incident in Newtownabbey during the early hours of today where a car was set on fire. 

"Just after 1:10am, it was reported that as a man drove along Rathcoole Drive he was obstructed by a number of pallets on the road.

"The man tried to drive away however, he was stopped by approximately 10 males, some of whom were armed with what was described as pieces of woods. 

"It was reported the man was ordered to get out of his vehicle by one of the males, while another got inside the car and drove it a short distance away. 

"It was reported the windscreen of the vehicle, a white Peugeot 108, was smashed and the car was then set on fire. 

"The driver was able to leave the scene, uninjured. 

"Among the males reported to have been involved is a man thought to be aged between 35 and 40 years old, who was bald and wore a white T-shirt and brown shorts.

"Another male is described as being aged approximately 30 years old, with black hair and wore a light blue hooded top.

"We are continuing with our enquiries today and we would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area and saw what occurred, or who has information which could help our investigation to call us on 101 and quote reference number  116 of 11/07/20.”