Menu
09/08/2019
New Lodge Violence Is 'Dragging Us All Back'- Greens
In the wake of a series of public disorder incidents surrounding a bonfire in the New Lodge, a Green Party councillor has claimed the violence is dragging the people of Northern Ireland back to the past.
A teenager has been left in critical condition after he was stabbed in the back on Thursday evening, 08 August, while a 39-year-old man also received stab wounds during violence after the controversial anti-internment bonfire went up in flames.
Earlier in the day, three police officers sustained injuries as youths launched masonry and fireworks towards a police line. A heavy presence had been established in the area to safely facilitate the bonfire's removal by contractors, however the operation was later abandoned.
Green Party councillor for the Castle area, Mal O'Hara hit out at those behind the disorder and highlighted the persisting anti-social behaviour issues plaguing the New Lodge community.
"The people in control of this bonfire are dragging us all back to a place where we don't want to be," he commented.
"I believe the location of the bonfire and its size represented a deliberate attempt to create friction with the police and an excuse for a night of disorder.
"Communities are entitled to mark significant points in time like the introduction of internment.
"However, what happened in the New Lodge including stabbings and violence spilling out into other areas has brought nothing but shame to our area.
"It plays into the hands of people who would want to denigrate the working class communities of North Belfast."
Two suspects, aged 28 and 21, were arrested early this morning at an address off the Oldpark Road on suspicion of offences including causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the stabbings.
A 13-year-old was arrested earlier in the day on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour.
Cllr O'Hara continued: "There is a wider problem with anti-social behaviour in the New Lodge and many young people have a contempt for any sense of law and order – they probably haven't heard of the so called peace dividend let alone felt any benefit from it.
"I know the greater New Lodge community is strong and will regroup in the coming days. A score of young people manipulated by others can create mayhem within a community. I know, however that the people in the area are resilient.
"I expect that elected representatives will come together with all statutory agencies and police to ensure that there is no repeat of this horrible incident."
(JG/CM)
A teenager has been left in critical condition after he was stabbed in the back on Thursday evening, 08 August, while a 39-year-old man also received stab wounds during violence after the controversial anti-internment bonfire went up in flames.
Earlier in the day, three police officers sustained injuries as youths launched masonry and fireworks towards a police line. A heavy presence had been established in the area to safely facilitate the bonfire's removal by contractors, however the operation was later abandoned.
Green Party councillor for the Castle area, Mal O'Hara hit out at those behind the disorder and highlighted the persisting anti-social behaviour issues plaguing the New Lodge community.
"The people in control of this bonfire are dragging us all back to a place where we don't want to be," he commented.
"I believe the location of the bonfire and its size represented a deliberate attempt to create friction with the police and an excuse for a night of disorder.
"Communities are entitled to mark significant points in time like the introduction of internment.
"However, what happened in the New Lodge including stabbings and violence spilling out into other areas has brought nothing but shame to our area.
"It plays into the hands of people who would want to denigrate the working class communities of North Belfast."
Two suspects, aged 28 and 21, were arrested early this morning at an address off the Oldpark Road on suspicion of offences including causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the stabbings.
A 13-year-old was arrested earlier in the day on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour.
Cllr O'Hara continued: "There is a wider problem with anti-social behaviour in the New Lodge and many young people have a contempt for any sense of law and order – they probably haven't heard of the so called peace dividend let alone felt any benefit from it.
"I know the greater New Lodge community is strong and will regroup in the coming days. A score of young people manipulated by others can create mayhem within a community. I know, however that the people in the area are resilient.
"I expect that elected representatives will come together with all statutory agencies and police to ensure that there is no repeat of this horrible incident."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 August 2013
Marian Price Convicted On Protest Charges
Convicted IRA bomber Marian Price has been found guilty of protest charges. Marian McGlinchey, who goes by the name Marian Price, was convicted of two charges following a republican protest in the New Lodge area of Belfast three years ago. The 59-year-old was accused of resisting and obstructing police at a white-line protest on 10 July 2010.
Marian Price Convicted On Protest Charges
Convicted IRA bomber Marian Price has been found guilty of protest charges. Marian McGlinchey, who goes by the name Marian Price, was convicted of two charges following a republican protest in the New Lodge area of Belfast three years ago. The 59-year-old was accused of resisting and obstructing police at a white-line protest on 10 July 2010.
23 November 2016
Uninsured Driver Arrested After Police Pursuit In North Belfast
A 25-year-old man has been arrested for a number of road traffic and drugs offences following a police pursuit in north Belfast on Tuesday, 22 November. PSNI officers attempted to stop a vehicle in the New Lodge area after they suspected the driver was uninsured. However, the driver sped through a red light and sparked a police chase.
Uninsured Driver Arrested After Police Pursuit In North Belfast
A 25-year-old man has been arrested for a number of road traffic and drugs offences following a police pursuit in north Belfast on Tuesday, 22 November. PSNI officers attempted to stop a vehicle in the New Lodge area after they suspected the driver was uninsured. However, the driver sped through a red light and sparked a police chase.
09 August 2019
Teen Critical Following New Lodge Stabbings
An 18-year-old male is in critical condition in hospital following a number of reported stabbing incidents in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Police said the teenager was stabbed in the back near the controversial bonfire on Thursday evening, 08 August. A 39-year-old man also sustained stab wounds to his arm and hip.
Teen Critical Following New Lodge Stabbings
An 18-year-old male is in critical condition in hospital following a number of reported stabbing incidents in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Police said the teenager was stabbed in the back near the controversial bonfire on Thursday evening, 08 August. A 39-year-old man also sustained stab wounds to his arm and hip.
22 June 2021
Man Arrested In Connection With Ammunition Seizure
Police in Belfast have arrested a 55-year-old in connection with an ammunition seizure. The man was detained on suspicion of possessing ammunition in suspicious circumstances after the seizure was made during a search operation in the New Lodge area of Belfast.
Man Arrested In Connection With Ammunition Seizure
Police in Belfast have arrested a 55-year-old in connection with an ammunition seizure. The man was detained on suspicion of possessing ammunition in suspicious circumstances after the seizure was made during a search operation in the New Lodge area of Belfast.
03 October 2019
Pair Arrested In Connection With North Belfast Disorder
Police probing recent disorder in the New Lodge area of north Belfast have made two arrests. The men, aged 19 and 50, were detained this morning, Thursday 03 October on suspicion of a range of offences, including riotous behaviour and possessing and throwing petrol bombs. Both remain remain in custody assisting police with enquiries.
Pair Arrested In Connection With North Belfast Disorder
Police probing recent disorder in the New Lodge area of north Belfast have made two arrests. The men, aged 19 and 50, were detained this morning, Thursday 03 October on suspicion of a range of offences, including riotous behaviour and possessing and throwing petrol bombs. Both remain remain in custody assisting police with enquiries.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
