The driver of an official DVLA vehicle narrowly escaped harm in Bushmills after the car was approached by two masked man, vandalised with weapons, and set alight this afternoon in a “brazen and violent” attack.
The car and its driver were checking vehicle tax while parked on Main Street in the Co Antrim town shortly before 11am when the incident occurred.
The masked men smashed the windows and the driver was ordered out of the vehicle before accelerant was then thrown in to the car and set alight.
The driver narrowly escaped harm and the car was destroyed.
The two men, one wearing dark clothes and the other a grey tracksuit, then made off on foot in the direction of Dundarave Park. The Causeway Road was closed for around an hour and has since reopened.
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Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery said: “This was a brazen and violent attack on this vehicle which is government property.
“This was in broad daylight in a busy Bushmills at the height of the tourism season. This arson attack, which has destroyed this public vehicle, also put a number of nearby businesses and members of the public at risk should the fire have spread.
“The driver, who was not injured, would understandably be in shock following this ordeal. Our investigation is underway and we need the public’s assistance.
“The area of Main Street would have been busy at this time and we’d ask anyone who witnessed anything or has information on the two men, CCTV or dash-cam footage to contact us on 101 quoting 481 06/08/24.”
A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
The fire service said one engine from Coleraine was called to the scene.
“Firefighters used one hose reel to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition. The incident was dealt with by 12.14pm and the scene was left with PSNI,” they said.
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The DVLA has been asked for a response.
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