South Down politicians have spoken out against a rcent hostage taking incident in Warrenpoint.
South Down MLA Karen McKevitt has condemned the “evil thugs” who held a family hostage in Warrenpoint last night during a tiger kidnapping.
Ms McKevitt said: “The terrifying ordeal happened at approximately 8.30pm leaving three members of a family badly shaken, but physically unhurt.
“This must have been a terrifying ordeal for the family. The entire community is in shock at hearing something as horrific as this could happen in Warrenpoint.
“This was late on a Sunday evening, at half past eight when the terrible ordeal unfolded and these evil thugs subjected them to unimaginable horror.
“Everyone is relieved to hear the family is physically unhurt, but this was an extremely traumatic ordeal and they are, understandably, badly shaken. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very distressing time. I hope they can recover quickly and get on with their lives.”
Warrenpoint Councillor Michael Carr, who is current chair of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, has also condemned the incident.
Cllr Carr said: “I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about what happened last night to contact the police immediately as these thugs need to be taken off the streets as soon as possible.”
Ruane Condemns Tiger Kidnapping
Sinn Féin Councillor and Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Mickey Ruane, has said the community of Warrenpoint are in shock following the news of a tiger kidnapping taking place in the area on Sunday night.
Cllr Ruane commented: “I want to condemn in the strongest possible terms those responsible for carrying out the crime which took place last night. It takes the lowest of the low to not only carry out a crime such as this, but to target a whole family is extremely sickening.
“I want to express my sympathies to the family who were involved in this horrendous ordeal, and I know that is a sentiment which is being echoed throughout the wider Warrenpoint community today.
“This incident comes just a couple of weeks after an elderly couple were locked in their bathroom while their home was robbed and this is a worrying trend for the people of the town.”
“Once again I want to call on people in the area to remain vigilant at this time. I would appeal for anyone who has any information whatsoever regarding this crime or those involved to report it to the PSNI immediately in order to ensure that those responsible are apprehended as soon as possible.”
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