Petrol bomb attack on Co Antrim home could have endangered neighbours, police warn
Friday 09 October 2026
Police have launched an investigation following a suspected petrol bomb attack on a house in Ballymoney during the early hours of Friday morning, 9 October, warning that the incident could have endangered neighbouring residents and their homes.
One person was inside the property in the Carnany Drive area when the attack occurred. No injuries were reported, although the fire caused smoke damage to the house.
Police received a report at around midnight that a suspected petrol bomb had been thrown at the property.
Fire extinguished before police arrived
Detective Inspector Hanbidge said officers attended the scene, where firefighters from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service had already extinguished the blaze.
“There was one person in the house at the time, but no injuries were reported. However, there were properties on either side of the property, so the attack could have potentially endangered other people and their homes.”
Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as deliberate ignition, with enquiries continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Appeal for CCTV and witnesses
Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Carnany Drive area, or who has footage that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
Detective Inspector Hanbidge said: “We would appeal to anyone with any information which could assist, including CCTV, dash-cam or other footage, to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 45 of 09/10/26, or to call us on 101.”
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
While nobody was injured, police have highlighted the potential danger to neighbouring households, with the investigation continuing into an attack that could have had far more serious consequences.
