Home of SDLP man petrol bombed in Derry

The home of a SDLP Assembly member was petrol bombed last night for the 15 th time.

The home of a SDLP Assembly member was petrol bombed last night for the 15 thtime.

The device was hurled against the back wall of Pat Ramsey's home in Derry shortly after 9pm and neighbours helped to put out the small blaze

Mr Ramsey and his wife were away for the weekend but his 30-year-old daughter was in the dwelling. She said; "It leaves you not knowing what has happened, you're thinking 'is this against my dad, and why are they targeting his family.

"You are just waiting for the next incident."

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Dissident republicans, opposed to the peace agreement and Mr Ramsey's involvement in scrutinising policing in the area have been blamed in the past for the campaign.

Mr Ramsey said; "We are just sick, sore and tired of these endless attacks on our home and on our family.

"First and foremost I am a father and a husband. My number one priority is my children and my wife.

"This morning I feel completely helpless because I can't protect my family from these dangerous and nasty people."

He added those responsible for the attack had been trying to harm those inside the house and added that he was glad there was only property damage.

Mr Ramsey lives at Meenan Drive in the nationalist Bogside area of the city.

The premises were targeted in July 2006 when army experts carried out a controlled explosion on a suspect device.

Police described this as an elaborate hoax and said dissident republicans may be responsible. There were earlier alerts in November 2005 and September 2004.

PA