A dissident republican group has warned estate agents not to become involved in the sale of a house belonging to a man they have twice targeted.

A bomb which exploded in the house in the early hours of Monday morning was claimed by Republican Action Against Drugs, the second time the paramilitary group has attacked it.

The Wheatfield property in Muff in Co Donegal went on the market after the first attack.

But yesterday the selling agent removed a ‘for sale' sign from the front of the property and has now taken it off its website.

The selling agent did not wish to comment.

Peter Bolton-King, chief executive officer of the National Association of Estate Agents, described the move as “deeply concerning”.

“This is something new and a very worrying development,” he said.

“Clearly, if any estate agent comes under any kind of threat for whatever reason, the safety of their staff is of paramount importance.

“So while I do not want to comment on this individual case, it is deeply concerning that any estate agent would be threatened in this way.”

In a statement, RAAD said it planted the incendiary device at the house.

“This occupant has put his house up for sale but RAAD will not allow him to profit from it,” the group said. “We also advise all estate agents not to be involved in the sale of the property.”

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the threat against the estate agents took vigilantism to a new low.

He said: “These dissident groups seem to be in competition with each other to see who can stoop to a new low, but to target estate agents has to rank amongst the worst.

“This organisation say they want this man to leave and yet they won't allow him to leave by preventing him from selling his house.

“To threaten any agent who puts this property on their books is disgusting.”

Belfast Telegraph