§ Mr. Maginnisasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give details of the attack on the homes of Mr. William Currie and Alderman John Wright, Garvaghey Road, Portadown, on Tuesday 27th February 1973; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the citizens of this area.
§ Mr. Peter MillsAt 8.20 p.m. on Tuesday 27th February, the home of Mr. Currie, 148 Garvaghey Road, was attacked by terrorists who broke in through the front door and set fire to the dining room and kitchen, causing considerable damage. They also tried, unsuccessfully, to burn the lounge. The house was empty at the time.
The raiders then went next door to the home of Councillor Wright. Mrs. Wright answered the door and was confronted by two masked men, one carrying a petrol can. She struggled with the raiders, but was struck several times on the head and pushed into a cloakroom. The intruders sprinkled petrol in the hallway, dining room and lounge, which was occupied at the time by Mrs. Wright's crippled mother, aged 90. They then evidently panicked and fled towards the nearby Churchill Park housing estate. No serious damage was caused.
51WThe security forces will continue to patrol in the area. Three persons are being held in custody in connection with these incidents.