Teenage vandals unleash mayhem

Teenage vandals unleash mayhem

28 August 2019

ANOTHER weekend of trouble in Downpatrick has sparked calls for action to be taken against teenagers terrorising the community in the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas.

A number of cars were again pelted with stones as they drove along the Killough Road, while several fires were also started on Saturday evening.

On Sunday, part of the Brannish Road was reported to be barricaded with branches and supermarket trolleys with young people targeting passing cars with stones.

The most disturbing incident occurred on Monday evening when a woman driving alone was left frightened after her car was stoned on the Brannish Road as she made her way to work.

Police have confirmed that they are aware of the recent trouble and warned those responsible for the unruly behaviour that their involvement could lead to a criminal record and harm their future university and employment prospects.

Officers have also appealed to anyone who can assist them with their enquiries to contact them as they work to apprehend those responsible for the trouble.

The Flying Horse Ward Community Forum — which earlier this year organised a public protest to call for an end to trouble at this part of the town — has condemned the weekend incidents. 

The group’s chairwoman, Lisa Perry, said the continuing trouble was “simply not acceptable” and must end. She also appealed to parents to know where their children are and what they are doing.

Ms Perry said children need to be taught to respect the community where they live, the people of  the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas and those who commute along the Killough Road.

“Residents and those who use the Killough Road should not have to put up with such behaviour and anyone who knows who is responsible should contact the police,” she said.

Ms Perry said the message must go out that stoning cars is not acceptable and that those responsible will not be be allowed to get away with what they are doing.

“It does not bear thinking about what would happen if a driver whose car is stoned loses control of the vehicle and crashes into pedestrians or someone’s home. Those who throw missiles at cars need to realise the potential consequences of what they are doing. For drivers, this is a terribly frightening experience.”

Angry residents have also taken to social media to voice their concern about the trouble which has been prevalent at this part of Downpatrick for many years. 

Parents have also been urged to warn their children not to get involved in behaviour which could lead to serious consequences, with residents branding those responsible for the trouble as “disgraceful”. They said their parents should be doing more to stop the unruly behaviour, expressing concern that the trouble has been allowed to continue for too long and must be stopped.

“The trouble is too frequent,” said one woman, while a man revealed his van was stoned on two occasions at the Killough Road last month. Worryingly, he reported that children as young as 12 were responsible.

Another resident expressed concern that a driver could lose control of their car after being stoned which could result in a crash and someone being seriously injured.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath said local police must respond swiftly to the anti-social behaviour, especially after Monday night’s incident when a woman was attacked.

“There has been an escalation of the anti-social behaviour in the Flying Horse and Model Farm area from a number of youths. Cars have been stoned, fires started and people assaulted. This behaviour is unacceptable,” he declared.

“The perceived inactivity of the authorities cannot be allowed to send a message that such behaviour is acceptable. The perpetrators must be dealt with.”

Mr McGrath said police and other statutory agencies require information to challenge the anti-social behaviour and apprehend those responsible.

He added: “Information can be provided confidentially and is needed to help break this cycle of behaviour at this part of Downpatrick.”

Police have asked anyone who believes they can assist them with their enquiries to make contact using the non-emergency 101 number or the confidential Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.