The burned out shell of Councillor Kevin Campbell’s blue Renault Modus car targeted in an arson attack
A RALLY will be held this evening at the Derry home of Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Campbell after his car was torched in an arson attack.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the arson attack on the car parked outside his Lislane Drive home during the early hours of this morning, Sunday, April 8.
Shortly before 2.45am it was reported that Cllr Campbell’s a blue coloured Renault Modus parked at his driveway had been set on fire.
Extensive damage was caused to the car as a result of the incident.
Three people were seen running away from the scene.
One motive for the attack is that it was carried out by dissident republicans in the area after Cllr Campbell condemned the petrol bomb attacks on police vehicles during an illegal Easter Monday dissident republican parade in Creggan.
Sinn Fein party colleagues, party activists and friends will gather at the home to show support to the family.
Fiachra McGuinness, the son of the late deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, tweeted this afternoon:
“Solidarity with Kevin Campbell, Deirdre and Grainne after last night’s attack on their family home.
“Tonight at 7 we will stand shoulder to shoulder in support of our friend who works tirelessly for us all.”
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney said it must have been a very frightening experience for the family.
The scene outside Cllr Kevin Campbell’s Creggan home where his car was gutted in an arson attack
“What happened last night was not only an attempt to intimidate an elected representative, but an attack on his family,” he said.
“It follows a pattern in recent years where the homes and cars of Sinn Féin elected representatives and activists in Derry have been attacked and set on fire by cowards in the dead of night.
“Our constituency offices at Ráth Mór were also extensively damaged in an arson attack.”
Mr McCartney added: “The people responsible for this attack on the Campbell family offer nothing but destruction.
“Their desire to intimidate us into silence will fail and I ask the people of Derry to stand with representatives like Kevin Campbell who work every day for a better future for all.”
Police want anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information which may assist the investigation to contact officers in Strand Road Police Station on 101 quoting reference 249 08/04/18.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
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