Fifteen arrested following Ballykeel petrol bomb attack

Police in Ballymena arrested 14 men and a 16 year old male youth following a petrol bomb attack on a house in the Ballykeel area.

The arrests followed a report to police at approximately 3.40 am on Sunday, September 1 that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a property in Orkney Drive. A Volkswagen Polo car parked outside at the time had its windows smashed during the attack and a male in the house who confronted the attackers sustained a head injury requiring medical treatment.

All 15 persons were arrested on suspicion of attempted arson endangering life, AOABH, possession of an offensive weapon, riotous behaviour, possession of a petrol bomb, throwing a petrol bomb and criminal damage.

The group of males, ages ranging from 16 to 41 years, believed to have been involved in this incident were detained in a house close by.

Two of the men arrested, a 38 year old and a 16 year old are appearing at Court in Coleraine this morning in relation to this incident. The others have been released on bail pending further enquiries.