Shock as petrol bombs thrown at Ballymena flat in early hours attack

A Ballymena resident has been left shaken after suspected petrol bombs were thrown at their home in a dangerous early morning attack that police say could have had devastating consequences.

Detectives have launched an urgent investigation following the incident in the Drumtara area in the early hours of Saturday, 28 March, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life.

Terrifying early morning attack

Police received a report at approximately 3.05am that two suspected petrol bombs had been thrown at a ground-floor flat.

Detective Sergeant Crothers said officers arrived to find clear evidence of the attack, including a smashed living room window and fire damage inside the property.

Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were already at the scene tackling the aftermath.

One person was inside the flat at the time.

Remarkably, no injuries were reported — but the psychological impact and physical damage were significant.

“This was obviously a shock for them and there was significant damage caused to the interior of their home,” Detective Sergeant Crothers said.

Investigation underway as police appeal for help

The incident is now being investigated as a deliberate and potentially life-threatening attack.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Crothers added:

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious behaviour in the area around the time of the report.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 132 of 28/03/26.

Reports can also be made online via the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police enquiries remain ongoing.

---

At a glance

• Petrol bombs thrown at a ground-floor flat in Ballymena

• Incident happened around 3.05am on Saturday, 28 March

• Attack took place in the Drumtara area

• One person was inside the property at the time

• No injuries reported, but significant damage caused

• Living room window smashed during the attack

• Emergency services attended the scene

• Incident being treated as arson with intent to endanger life

• Police appealing for witnesses and information

• Investigation remains ongoing