Antisocial behaviour leads to a number of fires in Downpatrick
Police are appealing for information following a fire at business premises at Brannish Road, Downpatrick, on Wednesday 29th September in the evening.
In recent weeks there have been a number of incidents in the Ballymote estate area and on Brannish Road which is part of an industrial estate.
A number of small fires have been lit, and the NI Fire and Rescue Service were called to two potentially significant fires at a recycling plant, Macwaste. The fire on 29th Wednesday was of concern to the NIFRS due to potentially harmful fumes it was emitting and residents and businesses were asked to keep their windows closed.
Three weeks ago five old cars were set alight at the bottom of Brannish road.
Cllr Oonah Hanlon (Sinn Féin) said: “It did appear the fire at the Brannish Road site was started deliberately and it is of grave concern that this area is continually targeted referring to an arson attack recently with 14 cars damaged altogether.
Downpatrick Sinn Féin Councillor Oonagh Hanlon deeply concerned at the antisocial behaviour ongoing in the Ballymote area of Downpatrick.
“Considering the highly flammable material stored on site it is a miracle that no-one was seriously injured,” added Cllr Hanlon.
“Credit must be given to our local Fire and Rescue Service team who were at the scene promptly and ensured the fire did not spread. It is extremely frustrating that Emergency Services are being distracted away from what could be more serious incidents and emergencies. This follows on from reports of petrol bombs being thrown at cars passing through the area.
“It is hugely disappointing and frustrating that this type of behaviour continues in this area. Do the perpetrators of these crimes not realise the impact of their actions?
“At a recent PCSP meeting I raised this incident directly with PSNI District Commander Norman Haslett and local police inspector Hardy who provided assurance that patrols will give attention to the area.
“We are working hard locally to attract investment to and revitalise our County town and it has much to offer. A small minority cannot hold Downpatrick to ransom with their reckless behaviour.
“I would appeal to those in the community to continue to report suspicious behaviour. People are fed up with the actions of a small minority. Their actions do not reflect the wider community at this part of Downpatrick.”
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Down News visited the Brannish Road area. There were a number of visible signs of antisocial behaviour such as:
• a scorched area where a car was set alight on the road;
• signs of a number of smaller fires being lit;
• a wooded area used as a drinking den;
• and bricks smashed up as potential missiles.
Sergeant Adair said: “We received a report of the fire at approximately 5.50pm. Officers attended the scene together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.
“It is believed that the fires on Cloonagh Road and Brannish Road wwere started deliberately, and it has caused significant damage to a business site.
“Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and I am appealing to anyone who may have any information, or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time, to call 101 and quote reference number 2098 of 29/09/21.”
A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via:
http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
