DD Exclusive: GARDAI are investigating a sickening arson attack on a family in Co Donegal.
Arsonists set fire to outbuildings at a farm before setting a van alight in the early hours of this morning.
The incident happened at Ballyheerin, 2kms from Kilmacrennan.
The family – well-known local farmers – are said to be ‘distraught’ after losing a large amount of horse equipment including bridles and carts.
The farmer and his daughter discovered the fire this morning.
“They’ve lost all their equipment for their horses, some of it of sentimental value,” said one family friend today.
“It was definitely arson. The van was set on fire as well.
“They’re just lucky that whoever set this fire didn’t burn the house down too, otherwise we could be looking at a murder inquiry today.”
People in the area are shocked at the incident, the second high-profile crime in the townland in recent times.
Several months ago an elderly woman was robbed in her home in the area.
It’s understood Gardai are investigating a definite line of enquiry in relation to today’s incident.