A family of four has been left homeless following a weekend arson attack on their home in the loyalist Tullyalley housing estate in the Waterside area of Derry. DUP Assemblyman for the area, Mr William Hay, claimed the attack is the work of "out of control" members of the UVF who, he said, were involved in a so-called turf war.
The first floor of the home of Phil and Sharon Brace was badly damaged. Their home had previously been occupied by an RUC officer and was fitted with a bullet-proof door, but it's believed the arsonists used a sledge hammer to break in just hours after the family had gone on holiday. Mr Brace said he believed his home had been targeted because he had spoken out against the UVF in the past.
"This is the sixth time that there has been an attack on my person and my property in recent months and those responsible are hiding behind the banner of the UVF," Mr Brace said.
"I don't agree with what they say and with what they do and I've told them that. If this has been done in the name of Ulster, then God help Ulster." Mrs Brace described those behind the attack as scum. "They have made us homeless by burning us out of our home. Luckily we were away at the time, but it's clear they were watching the house because the attack came just an hour after Phil left."
Mr Hay said: "This attack was well planned, but the dogs on the streets know who was behind it. They are striking more fear into the Protestant community that the Provos ever did."