A Co Down family have been left traumatised and without a car after an arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday.
An emergency meeting has been called between local councillors, the PSNI and PCSP to identify measures needed to tackle ongoing antisocial behaviour. It comes after weeks of trouble in the Model Farm estate in Downpatrick.
The trouble has spanned from arson attacks to attacks on NIFRS personnel with bricks. Two teenagers were arrested last week, but later de-arrested and brought to the care of their parents.
Read more: Teenagers 'arrested then de-arrested' after disorder
SDLP councillor Gareth Sharvin said the residents of the Model Farm area don't deserve to be fearful that their property will be damaged.
"Sadly a family have lost their family car due to more vandalism to vehicles in the area," councillor Sharvin added.
"A hard working family who depended on the car to go to work and go about their day to day. They have now been left terrified at this random attack.
"How any person believes behaviour is appropriate needs to catch a grip of themselves. It needs to stop and allow residents to live in peace and quiet, and not fear that their property will be damaged or destroyed.
"The Model Farm is a great area, with many families living their through the generation. Ballyvange use to play football at the pitch, and was known for being one of the best in the district.
"I have real concern that if this does not stop now, someone will be seriously injured. I have reached out to all Downpatrick Councillors, PCSP and PSNI to arrange an emergency meeting to identify proactive measures that can be taken to tackle this continued anti-social behaviour.
"If anyone has witnessed this attack or has information please report to 101 or you can anonymously contact Crimestoppers."
Police told Belfast Live that they received a report of a car on fire within the vicinity of Ballymote Park, Downpatrick shortly after 3.45am this morning.
Officers attended the scene along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire.
A spokesperson continued: "The car was completely gutted as a result of the incident which is being treated as arson. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information or footage in relation to the fire is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1652 of 05/07/22.
"Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
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