19/06/2017

Warnings Issued After Bonfire Material Set Alight Next To Homes

Young people involved in a spate of anti-social behaviour in North Belfast have been urged to "desist".

It comes after a bonfire material stored next to homes and businesses in the New Lodge Road area was set alight on Sunday, 18 June.

Sinn Féin Councillor, JJ Magee, said that the fire could have ended in tragedy.

JJ Magee said: "There are a small number of youths in the area who have been involved in a spate of anti-social behaviour related to a bonfire.

"They have broken into a local building site, near a day care centre, stole planks, ladders and destroyed CCTV.

"They have attacked residents with bottles who asked them move wood away from their homes, and threatened Housing Executive workers.

"However, setting fire to wood piled near businesses and homes is a whole different level of threat to the people who live there.

"This incident could have led to serious damage to property or to serious injury.

"I am working with council, the Housing Executive and the emergency services to tackle this blight.

"I am also appealing to the young people involved to desist from any further activity before someone is killed or seriously injured."

(MH/LM)

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