Bomb Attack Targets Antrim DUP Man

The Alliance party Leader and local MLA David Ford has condemned a pipe bomb attack at the house of a DUP candidate John Smyth in Antrim. The attack took place in the Seacash area at around 4am this morning.

Stormont Justice Minister David Ford said: "I am absolutely appalled at this cold and callous attack. This is an attack on democracy, a right that every one of us holds dear.

"Elected representatives and public servants should be able to go about their important work without fear of attack. My thoughts are with John and his family as they try to come to terms with this sickening incident. Anyone with information on this incident should contact police immediately."

The DUP candidate, John Smyth Jnr was in his flat when it was attacked.

Mr Smyth, whose father is a current DUP councillor, was in the living room and rushed in to put out the fire.

"If I had been in bed, I would be dead now, no question," the 30-year-old factory worker said.

He told BBC NI: "I am a night shift worker and had the night off but I couldn't sleep because I had slept through the day.

"So I was in the living room on the laptop doing some research for the election and watching TV when I heard this smash and an explosion.

"It sounded like a firework going off.

"There was smoke billowing down the hall and I ran down and my bed was on fire."

The victim made his comments as PSNI detectives were appealing for information following the attack.

"Shortly after 3.55am it was reported that a device was thrown through a bedroom window.

"A small fire subsequently began and was quickly extinguished, causing damage to the room. There were no reports of any injuries," said a police statement, which also reported that a motive for the attack remains "under investigation".

Anyone who has any information or who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Antrim CID on 0845 600 8000.

(BMcC/GK)