Police are treating three overnight incidents in Newtownards as linked, following attacks on two family homes and a commercial property.

At around 10.50pm, masked men forced entry to a house in Bristol Park, smashing windows and damaging a car. They attempted to ignite an accelerant-filled container in the vehicle, but it did not catch fire. A family with children were inside at the time. No injuries were reported.

Shortly after 11.25pm, emergency services were called to a deliberate fire at a business on Victoria Avenue. A minibus and a car were destroyed, and the blaze caused extensive damage to the premises.

Minutes later, at around 11.30pm, another group of masked attackers smashed a window at a property in Weavers Grange and threw a petrol bomb inside. The sofa was set alight. The occupants, also a family, were home but escaped injury.

Detective Sergeant Marley from the PSNI’s Criminal Investigations Department stated that the incidents are believed to be connected and that inquiries are continuing. There will be an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1588 of 26/07/26. Dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the routes between the locations is particularly sought. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers.