Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Nadia Breen

Police warning to 150 young people who gathered in Bangor

The PSNI has issued a warning following reports of young people gathering in Bangor and engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Police say the youths have recently been meeting at Castle Park and surrounding areas, usually on weekend evenings and into the early hours of the morning.

There will now be 'a highly visible and increased police presence' in the area this weekend.

In a statement, Police Ards and North Down said: "Last weekend we saw numbers of up to 150 young people and unfortunately many were not hanging out safely, but were engaged in anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking of alcohol/drinking of alcohol in breach of council bye-laws and setting off fireworks.

"We have also received reports of criminal damage to property in the area.

"One of our officers was slightly injured when they were struck by a bottle, after bottles and stones were thrown at them.

"Significant quantities of alcohol were seized and a number of young people have already been reported to our Youth Diversion Officers.

"A highly visible and increased policing presence will be evident in the area this weekend and anyone found to be engaging in any criminal activity or anti-social behaviour can expect to be dealt with robustly."

Police are appealing to parents and guardians to have a conversation with young people about "where they are going and what they are doing".

The PSNI spokesperson added: "While we understand it’s great to have somewhere to go and meet friends, clearly criminal and anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and bringing alcohol or drugs into the mix can leave young people especially vulnerable."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.