Police Investigate Three Linked Attacks on Homes and Business in Newtownards

Detectives believe three attacks on two homes and a business in Newtownards are linked. Masked men used hammers, accelerant and a petrol bomb during the incidents late on Sunday, 26 July 2026. Families, including children, were inside both homes, but no injuries were reported.

Detectives are appealing for information following three linked attacks in Newtownards involving two family homes and a business premises.

The incidents took place in Bristol Park, Victoria Avenue and Weavers Grange late on Sunday, 26 July 2026.

Masked men reportedly used hammers to damage homes and vehicles. Accelerant and a petrol bomb were also used during the attacks.

Police said families, including children, were inside both homes at the time. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Masked Men Attack Bristol Park Home

The first incident happened at approximately 10.50pm in the Bristol Park area.

Police said several masked men dressed in dark clothing arrived at a residential property.

The group allegedly used a hammer to smash:

• The front windows of the house
• A window in the front door
• Windows of a vehicle parked outside

The attackers also attempted to ignite a carton containing accelerant before throwing it into the vehicle. However, it failed to ignite.

Detective Sergeant Marley, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said a family and children were inside the property.

He described the incident as a terrifying experience for those involved.

Vehicles and Business Damaged in Victoria Avenue Fire

At approximately 11.25pm, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service informed police of a fire in the Victoria Avenue area.

A bus and a car were completely destroyed.

The fire also caused extensive damage to nearby business premises.

The Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the blaze had been started deliberately.

Police have not released the name of the affected business.

Petrol Bomb Thrown Into Weavers Grange Home

The third attack was reported shortly after 11.30pm in the Weavers Grange area.

Police received an emergency call stating that masked men wearing dark clothing had attacked another family home.

The men allegedly smashed a living room window with hammers before throwing a petrol bomb into the property.

The device set a sofa inside the house alight.

A family was inside the property at the time. However, police confirmed that no injuries had been reported.

Detective Sergeant Marley said it was completely unacceptable for members of the community to be placed at such serious risk.

He added that residents in Weavers Grange did not want to return to the violence and intimidation experienced in the area in the past.

Police Believe Newtownards Attacks Are Linked

Detectives believe the three linked attacks in Newtownards were connected.

Police are following several lines of enquiry as part of the investigation.

An increased police presence will remain in the Newtownards area over the coming days.

Officers are particularly interested in identifying the movements of those involved between Bristol Park, Victoria Avenue and Weavers Grange.

Appeal for CCTV, Dashcam and Doorbell Footage

Police are asking anyone who was in the affected areas at the time to contact investigators.

Officers particularly want to hear from anyone with footage covering the routes between the three locations.

Relevant footage could include:

• Vehicle dashcam recordings
• Home CCTV footage
• Business security footage
• Video doorbell recordings
• Mobile phone footage

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference 1588 of 26/07/26.

Information, photographs and footage can also be submitted through the official PSNI witness appeal form.

Anyone who wishes to provide information anonymously can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the Crimestoppers online reporting service.

Further information about contacting police is available through the PSNI contact page.

Community Urged to Assist Investigation

These attacks placed several adults and children at considerable risk.

Even footage that appears unimportant may help detectives establish the route taken by the attackers or identify vehicles used during the incidents.

Residents and businesses in the affected areas are being encouraged to check recordings captured between approximately 10.30pm and midnight on Sunday, 26 July.

Anyone with relevant information should contact police as soon as possible.

Submit information to police:
PSNI witness appeal form

Provide information anonymously:
Crimestoppers online