Football club expresses disappointment after cars burned

A Co Antrim football club has expressed disappointment after three cars were burned within its grounds in a suspected arson attack.

The three cars, which had been parked at Inver Park, the home of Larne Football Club, were destroyed in the incident in the early hours of Friday.

One of the cars belonged to a volunteer at the club and the other two to a nearby business.

Police said they are investigating the incident as a suspected arson attack.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) was alerted to the incident at Inver Park just after 1am on Friday.

The NIFRS said two appliances attended, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.

“The incident was dealt with by 1.33am and the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition,” they added.

In a statement, Larne Football Club thanked the NIFRS for preventing the fire from spreading.

“We were disappointed to learn of a fire which has caused extensive damage to three vehicles in the car park at Inver Park, in the early hours of Friday morning,” they said.

“We are thankful to the members of the NI Fire Service who brought the situation under control and prevented the fire from spreading.

“One of the vehicles damaged belonged to a volunteer of the club, while the other two were vehicles from an adjacent mechanic’s business.

“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”

Alliance Party East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly condemned the incident.

“The kind of behaviour demonstrated here is reckless, irresponsible, and downright dangerous,” he said.

“Going out, deliberately intending to inflict harm on the community and damage property, is appalling and must be unreservedly condemned.

“We can only be glad that no one was hurt, and I want to thank the emergency services for taking such swift and effective action in response.

“We have been in contact with Larne FC to offer our sympathies and are liaising with police as to how we go forward.

“However, I’d implore anyone with any relevant information that could help bring those responsible to justice to get in touch with the police or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

A police spokesperson said officers attended the scene and were advised the fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

“We are investigating this as arson and would urge anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 60 of September 27,” they said.