CORONAVIRUS: PSNI disperse gangs of teens to protect the elderly residents in NI town

Police despersed crowds of young revellers terrorising elderly residents in an NI town for the second time in a week.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 23rd Mar 2020, 17:01 BST
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The gangs focussed primarily on housing for pensioners in the Ballyoran Park area of Portadown on Friday evening.

This was the second time police had to be called to help the pensioners after a huge onslaught of youths gathered on St Patrick’s Day.

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Sinn Fein Cllr Paul Duffy said: “Not only do our elderly people in Ballyoran park have to worry about the Corona virus, now they have to deal with the crowds of antisocial behaviour at the bull ring and areas close by. Could parents please check that your child is not among these crowds causing trouble.

Councillor Paul Duffy pictured at the low bridge wall ver the Corcrain River which he believes is a safety risk and has a theory that Norrman Prentice whose body was found further along the river in Portadown People's Park last week may have fallen into the river from the bridge. Norman lived directly opposite the bridge and could often be seen sitting on it. INPT07-206.Councillor Paul Duffy pictured at the low bridge wall ver the Corcrain River which he believes is a safety risk and has a theory that Norrman Prentice whose body was found further along the river in Portadown People's Park last week may have fallen into the river from the bridge. Norman lived directly opposite the bridge and could often be seen sitting on it. INPT07-206.
Councillor Paul Duffy pictured at the low bridge wall ver the Corcrain River which he believes is a safety risk and has a theory that Norrman Prentice whose body was found further along the river in Portadown People's Park last week may have fallen into the river from the bridge. Norman lived directly opposite the bridge and could often be seen sitting on it. INPT07-206.

“When police attended they ran off. I told the police that the community have enough to deal with and can’t be chasing them through the estate. It’s up to the parents to know what they are doing.”

Inspector Leslie Badger said: “In recent evenings Police in Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon have responded to reports of anti-social and at times criminal behaviour involving groups of young people.

“Now, more so than ever, it is critically important that parents and guardians are mindful of where their children are, and what they are doing.

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“We are also asking everyone to follow the advice from @publichealthagency and government about COVID-19.

Coronavirus screening at Craigavon Hospital.Coronavirus screening at Craigavon Hospital.
Coronavirus screening at Craigavon Hospital.

“We all have a responsibility to safeguard ourselves and work with each other to keep all the people of Northern Ireland safe. Before you allow young people to visit their friends, consider if their plans will increase the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, especially to the more vulnerable in our society.”

Find the most up to date advice from the Public Health Agency at: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus