Kilkeel arson attacks on two cars 'believed to be linked'

Two cars were damaged in separate incidents in Co Down which are "believed to be linked," the police have said.

The incidents occurred in the early hours of the morning on Monday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 7 in the Munro Villas area of Kilkeel.

The first incident was reported at around 2.25am on Monday morning. The windows of a Volkswagen Passat were smashed with an accelerant poured inside, with the vehicle set alight.

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The second incident, at 4.55am this morning, May 7, involved a car being set on fire in a "deliberate" arson. Police said they believe the two incidents are linked and have issued an appeal for further information to help with their investigation.

Inspector Nicholas Woods said: “It was reported to police at around 2.25 am on Monday morning, that a Volkswagen Passat parked in the Munro Villas area had the windows smashed and an accelerant poured inside. The vehicle was set alight and extensively damaged.

“It then was reported to police at around 4.55 am this morning, Tuesday, 7th May that a vehicle parked in the Munro Villas area was on fire. Our colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. NIFRS believe the cause of the blaze to be deliberate and so the incident is being treated as arson.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the incidents which we believe to be linked and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact 101 quoting reference numbers CW 178 – 06/05/24 and CW 159-07/05/24.

A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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