Woman held in connection with Derry attack

Petrol bomb attack on house on Friday left man fighting for his life

The PSNI detained a woman in the  in the Derry area this afternoon in connection with a petrol bomb attack on Friday.
The PSNI detained a woman in the in the Derry area this afternoon in connection with a petrol bomb attack on Friday.

A 44-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a petrol bomb attack that left a Derry man fighting for his life.

Police said the woman was detained in the Derry area this afternoon.

“She is currently assisting police with their inquiries,” a PSNI spokesman said.

Yesterday a senior officer said they were treating the attack as attempted murder.

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The 45-year-old victim suffered up to 35 per cent burns including injuries to his face and neck after being struck by a petrol bomb which was thrown through the living room window of his home at Ben Varden Avenue in the Waterside area of the city on Friday night.

He had to be pulled to safety by two neighbours who risked their own lives to enter the burning building.

The victim has undergone a series of operations at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where his condition has been described as serious but stable.

Two youths who used scarves to conceal their identity were noted running away from the scene.

PSNI Inspector Jon Burrows, area commander in Foyle, said the man was lucky to be alive.

“He was pulled from the property by two neighbours who risked their own lives. Contrast that with the actions of the two cowards who threw the petrol bomb. But, for the actions of those neighbours this man could possibly have died,” said Insp Burrows.

PA