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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Downpatrick community call for action after night of 'mayhem' in estate

Residents in a Co Down estate are calling for statutory bodies to step up amid ongoing trouble and violence in the area.

On Thursday night, antisocial behaviour dominated the Model Farm estate in Downpatrick, with two vehicles destroyed by fires believed to be started by youths.

This behaviour, local people say, has been going on for years, with questions posed to police on their attempts to tackle the reoccurring problems which happen just minutes from the local PSNI station.

Read more: Two victims left 'distressed' after armed robbery in Belfast

One resident told Belfast Live that people do not want to be living in fear of trouble nor do they want positive community work to be overshadowed.

"The issue of antisocial behaviour is an issue that's been ongoing in the area for years with no end in sight," they said.

"The agencies don't appear to care about those living in the area. From the police who watch on from the comfort of their cars to social services who I believe have refused requests from community organisations to attend inter-agency meetings."

Another resident said: "No one cares and there is a real lack of things for young people to do in the area, many families are priced out of the facilities that do exist."

A car had been set alight by youths shortly before 10pm on Thursday, 23rd June within the vicinity of Model farm Shopping Complex (Belfast Live)

Police in Downpatrick say there will be an increased patrol of officers in the area following recent incidents of public disorder.

In a statement issued to the media, a spokesperson said they want to give out "a stark reminder" that those involved in committing offences such as arson and criminal damage, "face the very real prospect of prosecution and a criminal record".

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath says he was "absolutely disgusted at the actions of those responsible".

"This is not acceptable and there are people in our community who know who did this. You have an obligation to contact the police so that they are held to account for what happened.

"This is a wonderful community - my own grandmother lived up here and I used to visit it in my childhood.

"Now those who are carrying this out are not necessarily from this community, but whoever they are, let's get together as a community and report them.

"Quite often young people travel into this area and contribute to the anti-social behaviour and that is not fair on local residents who work hard to maintain their area and have a sense of community.

"We can't have roads set on fire, we can't have buses set on fire and we can't have people in fear in their community."

Inspector Trevor Campbell said: “We received a report that a car had been set alight by youths shortly before 10pm on Thursday, 23rd June within the vicinity of Model farm Shopping Complex.

"The Renault Clio was burnt out and we are treating this incident as arson. No youths were detected in the area when officers attended and thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this incident.

"We also received a report that a community minibus had been burnt out within the Glebetown Drive area on Friday, 24th June at 12.20am.

"Our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service responded to this incident and while dealing with the fire, came under a sustained attack from youths throwing bricks and stones.

"Although no injuries were reported, I would strongly condemn this type of anti-social behaviour and nobody comes to work expecting to be assaulted.

Damage was caused in the Model Farm estate area on Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday (Belfast Live)

"These firefighters had been carrying out their duty and serving our local community in order to protect property, prevent danger to the public and reduce any further risk of injury. This was completely unacceptable.

"In light of these recent incidents of public disorder, I am appealing to those involved to keep a cool head and think about the consequences of your actions which could lead to a criminal record.

"Our enquiries are currently ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have footage of any of these incidents to contact police in Downpatrick on 101, quoting reference numbers 1992 of 23/06/22 and 41 of 24/06/22.

"Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/."

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