House attacked and police vehicle damaged by masked crowd

A police vehicle has been so badly damaged it has been rendered unfit for use after being attacked by a crowd in Kilkeel in County Down.

Officers were responding to reports that a group of masked men were attacking a house in Carn Gardens when their car was attacked in the early hours of Monday morning.

Police have said they found windows at the address had been smashed and damage caused to the exterior of the property.

Whilst police were at the property, a crowd of about 35 people gathered and threw items at the house, set fire to the front garden, and slashed two of the police car’s tyres.

The police added that the crowd, many of whom were masked, also threw paint at the police vehicle.

Ch Insp Adam Ruston said the vehicle was now “off the road” and will be “unavailable for use…for a period of time whilst repairs are carried out”.

He added: “I cannot emphasise enough the foolhardiness of attacking and damaging police vehicles which are needed in order for us to be able to respond to emergencies of all kinds in the local community.

“And to those involved in attacking the house and the police car, whatever your motivation your actions are unlawful and we are investigating.

“Body worn video has been captured, and will be examined along with all available CCTV and other recorded footage.”

He added: “I would urge those in the community involved in this morning’s events to examine their actions and realise that taking the law into your own hands is not how we do things in civilised society, nor is attacking the police who are simply doing their job serving the community.”