FIREWORK attacks on shoppers, a pregnant mother and her two young children has prompted calls for action to be taken against those terrorising the community in the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas in Downpatrick.
Politicians and police have condemned those responsible — who include children of primary school age – for the terrifying incidents which occurred within days of each other. Warnings have also been issued that someone could be killed or seriously injured.
Last Wednesday, a firework was ignited at the entrance to the SuperValu store at the Ballymote Centre. When it exploded, it narrowly missed a customer.
On Monday evening, a woman driving along the nearby Killough Road was targeted by a firework. The pregnant mum and her two young children who were in the vehicle were left distraught, with local people thankful that she was able to keep control of her car despite the traumatic incident.
A delegation of local politicians visited the area last week to speak with residents and business owners about the ongoing trouble with South Down MP Chris Hazzard, joined by Emma Rogan MLA, Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Charlie Casey and Cllr Oonagh Hanlon.
They expressed concern about what is happening and said it was fortunate that no one was seriously injured. They said igniting a firework in supermarket was beyond belief.
Mr Hazzard said it was “alarming” to hear first hand from staff who are tortured regularly with anti-social attacks and persistent nuisance behaviour as they go about their jobs.
He said it is “completely unacceptable” for young people, many of whom are still in primary school, walking about the area with fireworks, laser pens and other illegal paraphernalia.
“The local community is completely fed up with these attacks and are quickly losing faith in the PSNI to get to grips with this situation,” the MP declared.
“Staff in the local shops know who these individuals are; the local community knows who they are an and the PSNI know who they are. Yet it appears that they are free to cause mayhem whenever they like.
“If the PSNI in the area cannot get to grips with these supposedly low-level criminal activities then how can local families have faith in them to deliver a community policing model that makes our local communities safer places to live and work?”
Ms Rogan described the incident at the supermarket as “extremely worrying” and suggested that the consequences could have been catastrophic.
She declared: “Not only do these actions put the lives of customers at risk but also the staff themselves. This is a vibrant business hub in Downpatrick and it cannot be held to ransom by rogue elements.
“I recently met with the PSNI district commander and requested extra resources for this area. I feel that a proactive approach is needed and these perpetrators need to be dealt with as a matter of priority for the safety of all.”
The council chairman said his visit to the Killough Road area provided him with a first hand opportunity to see “anti-social elements” in broad daylight with lazer beams obviously “without fear of reprimand.”
Cllr Casey added: “Having walked around the area, it is clear that the agencies are failing the people who live there. Residents clearly take great pride in their homes but I noted rubbish piled up and broken kerbs. I believe a structured multi-agency approach in conjunction with the PSNI is needed to address these issues.”
Cllr Hanlon, who spoke with the driver of the car targeted on Monday night, said both she and her young children were left “extremely traumatised” by what happened.
“Attacking a moving vehicle could have resulted in a serious collision or injury. I fear if this behaviour continues someone will be killed. I would question who is supplying these fireworks and how can young children afford them?”
PSNI Inspector Darren Hardy has appealed to parents to know where their children are and what they are doing. He said that what might seem like harmless fun to some, may feel like anti-social behaviour to others.
The police officer also appealed to young people to think about the impact of their actions and the consequences of a criminal conviction which would damage opportunities to travel, study or get the job they want.
“Fireworks are made from explosive material and, if misused, can cause serious and life changing injuries,” said Inspector Harvey. “The law clearly states that fireworks — except indoor fireworks and sparklers — must be bought from reputable, licensed dealers who are required to keep sales records,” he continued.
“Fireworks bought from other sources may not be British Standard approved thus presenting an even bigger risk of injury. It is also illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you do not have a licence and people can be fined up to £5,000 for breaking the law.”
Police investigating last week’s incidents have issued an appeal for information. Anyone who believes that they can help is asked to contact officers using the non-emergency 101 number or the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.