16/05/2014
NI Water Van Set Alight In N Belfast
A group of men have attacked and set alight an NI Water van while contractors were carrying out their duties, the body has said.
The attack occurred in the Ladbrook Drive area of north Belfast at about 09:30, as contractors were undertaking work in the north and west of the city.
A number of masked men carrying iron bars approached the NI Water employees and proceeded to vandalise the lorry, using an acroprop to smash the windscreen before setting the vehicle alight.
NI Water said there were no reports of any injuries, but that the vehicle had been badly damaged. The PSNI and the Fire Brigade attended the scene.
An NI Water spokesperson commented: "In the interests of health and safety NI Water has been forced to withdraw its contractors from the area following this serious attack. Our paramount concern is the safety of our workers and we will not put them in danger.
"The contractor was working on a £10m scheme to improve the supply of water in the area, this attack is completely unwarranted, unprovoked and unnecessary. Our teams are there working for the good of the community to provide a safe and reliable service.
"The real shame of this situation is that it will be the local community who will suffer because of the mindless destruction of a few. The water mains rehab work which is presently being undertaken by NI Water is solely concerned with the improvement of the quality of water being delivered to our customers and the reduction of interruptions and leakage on the system.
"I would urgently appeal to the local community and their representatives to unite with us in ensuring the safety of our staff and their equipment."
(IT/JP)
The attack occurred in the Ladbrook Drive area of north Belfast at about 09:30, as contractors were undertaking work in the north and west of the city.
A number of masked men carrying iron bars approached the NI Water employees and proceeded to vandalise the lorry, using an acroprop to smash the windscreen before setting the vehicle alight.
NI Water said there were no reports of any injuries, but that the vehicle had been badly damaged. The PSNI and the Fire Brigade attended the scene.
An NI Water spokesperson commented: "In the interests of health and safety NI Water has been forced to withdraw its contractors from the area following this serious attack. Our paramount concern is the safety of our workers and we will not put them in danger.
"The contractor was working on a £10m scheme to improve the supply of water in the area, this attack is completely unwarranted, unprovoked and unnecessary. Our teams are there working for the good of the community to provide a safe and reliable service.
"The real shame of this situation is that it will be the local community who will suffer because of the mindless destruction of a few. The water mains rehab work which is presently being undertaken by NI Water is solely concerned with the improvement of the quality of water being delivered to our customers and the reduction of interruptions and leakage on the system.
"I would urgently appeal to the local community and their representatives to unite with us in ensuring the safety of our staff and their equipment."
(IT/JP)
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