Minibus torched as youths run amok

Minibus torched as youths run amok

29 June 2022

TROUBLE has again flared at the Killough Road area in Downpatrick with fears that it could potentially escalate over the summer holidays, if it is not nipped in the bud.

Arsonists ran amok during a series of incidents last Thursday and Friday evening when a car, an Education Authority bus and several wheelie bins were set ablaze.

When firefighters arrived to deal with the incident they were pelted with a number of missiles, with the various incidents widely condemned by local politicians. 

Police have called for “cool heads” and appealed to those involved in the trouble to step back and think about the consequences of their actions.

The first incident occurred last Thursday evening around 10pm when a Renault Clio car parked close to the Ballymote shopping centre was set ablaze and completely destroyed. A nearby traffic island at the Killough Road was also destroyed in an arson attack.

Around midnight the following evening, a wheelie was pushed into the middle of the Killough Road and set on fire, while around 20 minutes later a minibus belonging to the Education Authority, which was parked in a secure compound at the Ballymote health and wellbeing centre, was set alight.

The Killough Road has been a hotspot for trouble over many years and while there had been no major incidents up until last week, police have confirmed that they plan to increase patrols in the area as a direct response to the public order offences and anti-social behaviour.

Officers have also warned that those responsible for arson and criminal damage could prosecution and end up with a criminal record.

A police spokesman said the attack on the Renault Clio is being treated as arson, revealing that no youths were detected in the immediate vicinity when officers responded to the incident. He also confirmed that no one was injured.

At 12.20am on Saturday, police received a report that a community minibus had been burnt out at the Glebetown Drive area. 

“Colleagues in the Fire and Rescue Service responded to this incident and while dealing with the fire, they came under a sustained attack from youths throwing bricks and stones,” the spokesman revealed.

 “Although no injuries were reported, I would strongly condemn this type of anti-social behaviour and nobody comes to work expecting to be assaulted.”

The spokesman said the firefighters had been carrying out their duty and serving the community in order to protect property, prevent danger to the public and reduce any further risk of injury. 

He said that what happened was “completely unacceptable” and confirmed that in the wake of the public order at the Killough Road area, it is a time for those involved to keep a cool head.

In a direct appeal to those involved the spokesman added: “Think about the consequences of your actions which could lead to a criminal record.”

South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Downpatrick councillor Dermot Curran have condemned those responsible and appealed for an end to trouble at this part of the town.

Mr McGrath, who spoke to police following a spate of fires in the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas over the past few days, described what happened on Thursday and Friday as “disgraceful” and called for the trouble to stop.

He said the young people involved are now “destroying the very resources” that have been provided to help them and to ensure they get more opportunities.

“It is totally unfair and unacceptable,” Mr McGrath declared.

“Quite often, young people travel into this part of Downpatrick and contribute to the anti-social behaviour. This is not fair on residents who work hard to maintain their area and have a sense of community.”

Mr McGrath has asked police to increase patrols in the Killough Road area at what he described as “key times” and also contacted Newry, Mourne and Down Council in relation to litter and debris in the area which was used to start several fires.

He is also urging anyone with any information about who is setting these fires to speak to police, even confidentially, to ensure that this behaviour stops and the local community can have some peace.

Cllr Curran said the behaviour of those responsible for the trouble must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, insisting that there is simply no excuse for burning cars and people’s property.

He continued: “People will rightly be frightened and worried about their safety and that of their property. What has happened is not a great reflection on Downpatrick, with the trouble generating headlines that we simply don’t need. 

“I would like to know what makes those involved in such crimes like this act in a such a manner. Their behaviour is hard to fathom and they must learn that they cannot behave this way and are damaging the reputation of the area where they live and call home.”

Police investigating last week’s trouble in the Killough Road area have issued an appeal for information and are keen to hear from anyone who can assist them with their enquiries. 

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have information about who was involved in any of the incidents to contact them on the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference numbers 1992 of 23/06/22 and 41 of 24/06/22.

Information can also be provided anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 55511 or by submitting a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.