The overnight gun and arson attack in the Ballyarnett area of Derry was an attempt to kill, SDLP councillor of the area, Mark O’Donnell, has said.
No one was injured but the family badly shaken after a shot was fired at the front door of their house in Cornshell Fields shortly after midnight.
A car parked outside the property was also set on fire.
Condemning the incident, Cllr O’Donnell said it was lucky no one was killed in what, he stressed, was a “very traumatic” incident for the family targeted.
He added: “I condemn this reckless attack in a populated residential area. It’s very lucky we are not talking about fatalities this morning.
“It looks like this family was specifically targeted and that is very worrying. Anybody who attacks a home with shots and arson are attempting murder, there can be no two ways about that.
“I’m very thankful that no-one was injured and hope that the victims are able to put this behind them, as difficult as that may be.”
Cllr O’Donnell concluded: “I urge anybody with information to pass it to the police. These are obviously very dangerous individuals and it’s imperative that they are taken off the street and brought before the courts.”
Sinn Fein Councillor Tony Hassan has also condemned the attack, calling on those responsible to explain their actions.
He said: “There can be no place for guns on the streets of our city. The people who carried out this attack need to explain to the local community the rationale for their actions.
“We are in a new era, we are creating a new society for the younger generation and the people of Derry just want these attacks to stop.”
Cllr Hassan concluded: “I would appeal for anyone with any information on this attack to bring it forward straight away.”
