Two held over Derry petrol bomb attack

Two people are in custody following a petrol bomb attack in Derry on Friday night.

Last night, police confirmed they had arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the attack. A PSNI spokesman said he had been detained in the Derry area and was “currently assisting police with their inquiries”.

Police described the incident as a sinister assault on a gentle man and said they were working to establish a motive. Detectives have not yet been able to speak to the victim because of the extent of his injuries.

Earlier yesterday, a 44-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the attack.

“She is currently assisting police with their inquiries,” a PSNI spokesman said.

A senior officer said on Saturday said they were treating the attack as attempted murder. The 45-year-old victim suffered up to 35 per cent burns including injuries to his face and neck after being struck by a petrol bomb which was thrown through the living room window of his home at Ben Varden Avenue.

He had to be pulled to safety by two neighbours who risked their own lives to enter the burning building.

The victim has undergone a series of operations at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where his condition has been described as serious but stable.

Two youths who used scarves to conceal their identity were seen running away from the scene.

PSNI Inspector Jon Burrows, area commander in Foyle, said the man was lucky to be alive.

“He was pulled from the property by two neighbours who risked their own lives. Contrast that with the actions of the two cowards who threw the petrol bomb. But, for the actions of those neighbours this man could possibly have died,” said Insp Burrows.