AN Artigarvan single mother has vowed to defy those behind a sectarian attack on her home last week.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, had four windows broke and sectarian grafitti daubed on her wall late last Thursday night.
Speaking to the Strabane Chronicle earlier this week, the woman said that while she would be increasing security measures at her home, she would not be forced out of her home.
"I was lying on the sofa watching television at around 11.50pm last Thursday when I heard an unmerciful bang. I thought it was a bomb so I ran up stairs and I shouted to my son to get his sister. I dialled the police and at the same time a neighbour came out. He said he had seen two men throwing bricks at the house and then we noticed they had painted 'Taigs out now' on the gable wall. I was in bits when I saw it," she explained.
Looking to her future in the village, the woman continued: "I've lived here peacefully for seven years and I just don't know why this has happened now. I've never had any problems, I get on great with all my neighbours and even this week, they have been very supportive. So I really am at a loss as to why I was targetted.
"This is my home and I've been very happy here. So, I won't be moving out. I am installing new security lighting, locks and alarms, but I won't be forced out.
"To the people who did this, I would say get a life and stop interfering in mine. It's very petty and I feel sorry for them if they get their kicks out of frightening the life out a single mother and her two young children. What were they hoping to achieve? It's just ridiculous," she said.
DUP member of Strabane District Council John Donnell said he hoped a police investigation would lead to those behind the incident being convicted.
"Obviously this has to be condemned out right. This should never have happened, people need to be allowed to get on with their lives in peace, without fear of attack and what happened in Artigarvan last week just isn't on. This sort of incident will have a very negative effect on not just the village, but Strabane District as a whole and it has to stop. The police need to get on the ball, thoroughly investigate this and hopefully bring whoever was responsible before the courts," he said.
Appealing for witnessed, PSNI Inspector Graham Dodds said the community needed to assist police in their investigations.
"There should be no place in our changing society for incidents of this nature. There is certainly no excuse for attacks on the homes of others based on their religion, race or political beliefs. Incidents of this nature will be vigourously investigated by police. The number to call with any information is 0845 600 8000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111," Inspector Dodds added.
'This should never have happened, people need to be allowed to get on with their lives,' John O'Donnell
