BY VICKI WELLER
A CAR was completely burned out and the front of two houses damaged in a weekend arson attack in Newbridge.
The incident occurred at the Oaks housing estate in the early hours of Saturday morning 30 January when the car, parked in a driveway, was set alight at around 4am.
According to a garda spokesperson, the same house had been the target of a burglary on the previous day, when items, including gold jewellery, a TV and a lap-top computer, were stolen.
The burglary took place some time between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday and the gardaí were called after the occupants of the rented house returned home and discovered the break-in. The thieves had gained entry by forcing the kitchen window of the house.
Sergeant Seamus Rothwell said that it was not yet clear how the car was set alight in the early hours of the following morning and nor was it known if the two incidents were in any way connected.
“The car was completely burnt out and there was damage to the windows, fascia, soffits and guttering of that house, along with some similar damage to the house next door,” he stated.
Adding that the targeting of the car “appeared to be malicious”, Sgt Rothwell noted that anyone who might have information about either the burglary or the attack on the car can contact Newbridge garda station on 045 431212.
Newbridge gardaí are also investigating another fire which they are treating as malicious. The fire occurred at an apartment in Vivian Court, Eyre Street, at around 5am on Thursday morning last 28 January.
According to the gardaí, the occupant of the apartment had apparently left a window open overnight and he awoke to find smoke in the room and the curtains of a rear window ablaze. Again, anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact the garda station.