07/03/2016
Two Charged Over Theft Of A Fire Engine
Police have charged two men in connection with the theft of a fire engine.
The incident happened in Larne, Co Antrim, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A 66-year-old man has been charged with five offences, including burglary and aggravated vehicle taking causing damage to property.
A 19-year-old man faces charges including burglary and dangerous driving.
Both men are due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court today, Monday, 07 March.
Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan said: "It beggars belief that anyone would steal a large fire appliance and drive it recklessly through the streets of Larne.
"We are very lucky no one was killed or seriously injured after the fire engine crashed into parked cars and buildings.
"Not only was the danger in the appliance being driven by inexperienced drivers but it also removed this appliance from being on call.
"If we had have had an emergency call out the Fire Service would have been one appliance short and this could have made the difference between life and death.
"I hope the appliance is not too badly damaged and is returned to service as soon as possible.
"I will also be asking the Fire chiefs how civilians were able to gain access to this appliance and see what security measures can be implemented so this cannot occur again."
(CD/JP)
The incident happened in Larne, Co Antrim, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A 66-year-old man has been charged with five offences, including burglary and aggravated vehicle taking causing damage to property.
A 19-year-old man faces charges including burglary and dangerous driving.
Both men are due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court today, Monday, 07 March.
Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan said: "It beggars belief that anyone would steal a large fire appliance and drive it recklessly through the streets of Larne.
"We are very lucky no one was killed or seriously injured after the fire engine crashed into parked cars and buildings.
"Not only was the danger in the appliance being driven by inexperienced drivers but it also removed this appliance from being on call.
"If we had have had an emergency call out the Fire Service would have been one appliance short and this could have made the difference between life and death.
"I hope the appliance is not too badly damaged and is returned to service as soon as possible.
"I will also be asking the Fire chiefs how civilians were able to gain access to this appliance and see what security measures can be implemented so this cannot occur again."
(CD/JP)
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