Arson attack linked to inter family feud

GARDAI believe the arson attack on the caravan of a traveller family in a halting site behind James's Street in Dublin is part…

GARDAI believe the arson attack on the caravan of a traveller family in a halting site behind James's Street in Dublin is part of an ongoing feud between families.

The attack on Sunday night was the most serious incident yet, according to gardai, but there had been a number of problems at the site over the past couple of weeks.

Last night, the Maguire family, whose caravan was destroyed by fire, were trying to find alternative accommodation. Mrs Mary Ellen Maguire (36), said that they had been terrified by the attack, during which two armed gunmen threatened her children, the youngest of whom is just eight years.

"They pulled a knife on my son, John Luke. He has spina bifida and is only 10 years old. My daughter, Christina, had to be taken to hospital in Crumlin she was so sick with nerves."

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Her daughter, Hanna (16), said: "They took a knife to my throat and asked me `Where is he? Where is he?' It regally shook me. The men had balaclavas over their heads, but they were settled men."

The family is currently staying in a caravan without electricity which belongs to Mrs Maguire's mother.

"My mother is in hospital, so we can stay here for a while", said Mrs Maguire. "But, after that, we do not know where we will go. A new caravan will cost £1,400." She has no insurance cover. Companies will not insure travellers' caravans, she said.

Mrs Maguire, who is separated and has eight children, seven of whom are still living with her, says she believes the family was a victim of a mistaken identity. The intended target, she says, was a father of 12 who had been sharing the same halting bay up to last Sunday.

"He was tipped off and he left. If he had not, his children would have been torched", she said. "But I'm still worried about my own family. They terrified the children.