Three more homes were petrol-bombed at the weekend in a series of tit-for-tat attacks linked to a vicious feud.
The latest incidents led to an appeal from Drogheda Mayor Frank Godfrey for the violence in the Co Louth town to stop.
He said: “We have never experienced anything on this scale before in Drogheda. Somebody will end up being killed.”
A 19-reg car was written off and the front of the home where it was parked extensively damaged in one of the incidents early yesterday. It brought to five the number of attacks since Friday night.
And it follows the shooting of a man in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon as the feud between Travellers and a criminal gang escalates.
Pictures show scene of late-night petrol bomb attack in Drogheda, Co Louth
The five petrol-bombings were at Ashleigh Heights, Springfield Court, Scarlet Crescent, St Laurence’s Park and Loughboy in Mell, where the white Hyundai i40 was destroyed.
Mr Godfrey added: “I am calling on those involved to stop these acts of intimidation, violence, bombings and shootings.
“As mayor I am calling for an end to this feud. It is frightening people, neighbourhoods are fearful.
“We are praying to God these acts of violence will stop. I am appealing for it to stop.”
Late-night terror as three houses attacked with 'petrol bombs' in Drogheda, Co Louth
Labour councillor Paul Bell said he has written to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris asking for officers in Drogheda to be given the same resources that brought an end to feud violence in Limerick.
He added: “I have requested that local gardai be supported by his office in resourcing a response applied in inner city Dublin and also in Limerick.
“The Limerick formula not only confronted criminals and delivered prosecutions but, just as importantly, public confidence in the Garda was restored which led to more and more intelligence been made available from communities under attack from criminal behaviour.”
Two houses petrol bombed as crime feud escalates in Drogheda Co Louth
Meanwhile, a rally protesting against the violence will take place at noon on Saturday on the steps of St Peter’s Church in West Street, Drogheda.
It has been organised by Paddy McQuillan, a former councillor standing again in the local elections.
He said: “We need to send a clear message this great town, which recently hosted the most successful ever Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, stands united against the violence that has become all too common on our streets.”
