Cars attacked in Newcastle

Cars attacked in Newcastle

14 December 2016

A MOTHER and her two children escaped serious injury after the windscreen of their car was smashed by a concrete block in a terrifying incident in Newcastle.

The incident happened at a set of traffic lights at the Shimna Road last Friday night and was one of a number of incidents in the resort over the weekend when vehicles were targeted by missile-throwing youths.

In addition to hurling bricks at vehicles at the Shimna Road, teenagers also threw broken trees at vehicles at the South Promenade area on Sunday evening. The incidents are the latest in a series of this nature reported in the resort over recent weeks.

The young mother and her children, aged eight and two, were left shocked by the incident which has been condemned by South Down MLA Colin McGrath and councillors Willie Clarke and Laura Devlin. 

Describing the troublemakers as “thugs,” Mr McGrath warned those responsible could have killed or seriously injured drivers and passengers. He said the trouble must stop before there is a serious accident.

“This is a dangerous and futile act that had the potential to kill or seriously injure drivers and passengers,” he declared. “When motorists are driving, their full attention must be on the road. They must not be distracted by thugs throwing bricks and trees at passing vehicles as this is literally dicing with death.”

Councillor Clarke said there have been “numerous incidents” at the Shimna Road and revealed the situation has escalated over recent weeks. He said while youths initially pelted cars with eggs, they are now throwing bricks.

“The situation is much more serious with the mindless attack on the woman’s car and her two children last Friday night leaving them traumatised. The situation was not helped by the time it took police to respond to the incident. This incident should have been classed as an emergency,” he declared.

Councillor Devlin said she was “horrified” to learn of the attack on the young mother’s car describing what happened as “total madness.” She said it is awful to think about how worse the situation could have been. 

“Whoever is responsible must catch themselves on and cease this behaviour. We are very fortunate that the driver and her children were not seriously injured. As far as possible, people need to know where their kids are and what they are up to. This might have seemed like a joke, but it is certainly not a laughing matter for the family concerned,” she said.

A PSNI spokeswoman said police are appealing for witnesses following the Shimna Road incident. She said while the driver of the car was not injured, she was left badly shaken and confirmed a second brick thrown at the car travelling behind her caused minor damage.

“Police would ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact police at Downpatrick on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference 1228 09/12/16,” said the spokeswoman.

“Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”