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Arson attack left six-year-old autistic child 'shaking'

BBC A man standing in front of a burnt-out car, he is wearing a yellow and blue navy. He has light brown hair and a beard.BBC
"It was a serious act, and they haven't realised the consequences of it," says Nathan Kane

A west Belfast man has told BBC News NI that an arson attack on his car has left his family "petrified".

Nathan Kane said his six-year-old son, who is autistic, was shaking for two hours after the explosion that was caused by his car being set alight.

The plumbing and heating engineer had bought the car recently.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is appealing for information and witnesses.

Mr Kane said he heard a "major bang" and that his partner Paula thought their son had fallen out of bed.

After seeing that his son was asleep, he then checked his security cameras to see that his new car was on fire.

"I moved my van to stop any explosions," he said.

"I tried to move Paula's car, but I couldn't find the keys.

"It was also too badly damaged, and it is petrol, so it was too dangerous."

A burnt-out car, the bonnet is up and one door is open
Nathan Kane had recently purchased the car

Mr Kane said he initially believed the fire had started because of an electrical fault.

"When I replayed the CCTV, I was shocked to see two males come up and pour petrol over the car, put the windows through, and set it on fire," he said.

"For absolutely nothing. They don't know how serious that could have been.

"It was a serious act, and they haven't realised the consequences of it."

He told BBC News NI that he doesn't know why his vehicle was targeted: "I have no animosity, no grievances with anybody."

'My family are frightened'

A broken backseat car window; the seats are black, and there is glass over the floor.
The fire also damaged Mr Kane's partner's car

Mr Kane said that the area is "fantastic" and that the attack does not represent the people who live there.

"This isn't going to deter me from living in the area," he added.

"These people have stood by me. The messages have been amazing."

He said that his son was shaking for hours after it happened.

"He keeps saying, 'Daddy's jeep's on fire'. It will definitely affect him, he won't let it go.

"He is getting upset because he thinks we are upset; he is a very emotional child," Mr Kane said.

"This attack was wrong and unjustifiable."

Scary, traumatic incident

A man wearing a grey polo top, he has black hair and is standing in front of a dark green wall
Danny Baker said the arson attack is "unacceptable"

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Danny Baker described it as a "very scary, traumatic" incident for the family.

"They really just want to know why this happened and to make sure that this doesn't happen again."

He said: "It is unacceptable; it is not reflective of the community; it is a shameful act."

Sergeant Rooney from the PSNI said: "Shortly before 05:00 GMT, it was reported that two vehicles were set alight outside a house in the Laburnum Green area.

"One of the cars was completely destroyed, and the second was partially damaged.

"It was reported that two men, both wearing dark coloured coats with their hoods pulled up, were seen spraying liquid on the bonnet of one of the vehicles before setting fire to the inside of it."

The two suspects were reported to have made off on foot in the direction of Twinbrook Road.