Arrests follow Scarva Road bonfire trouble

THERE will be more arrests following last night’s trouble in the Scarva Road in Banbridge, police have said.

They made the pledge after a 15-year-old girl and 21-year-old man were arrested and charged with public order offences after fire and police officers were attacked with weapons including bricks and glass bottles.

The pair are due in Newry Magistrates’ court on Monday August 20.

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Fire crews were called to reports of a fire in a derelict factory shortly after 9pm in the Brookfield Industrial estate on Wednesday night.

The fire is thought to have been lit as an annual commemoration of the beginning of the internment - arrest and imprisonment without trial - policy 41 years ago.

Fire crews said they were checking on the fire when they were set upon by a group of “up to 50” people aged from early teens to mid twenties.

They were targeted with bricks, stones, wood, paint tins and glass bottles.

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They were called out a second time to the Scarva Road where fire and police crews were attacked again at a fire which had been lit near the steps leading into Edenderry.

Neighbourhood Inspector Jacqui Gillespie said the trouble was disappointing.

“I am extremely disappointed at the actions of a few mindless people who were intent on causing disruption and damage last night,” she said. “Their actions do not reflect the peaceful society we in Banbridge know and want.

“My officers are continuing their investigations into the disorder. Arrests have been made and I believe further will follow. I can assure the local community we will not falter in our efforts to ensure that those responsible will be brought to justice.”