Gang of youths blast music with swear words and sexual references at children in play park

An evening with his five year old daughter at the play park turned into a nightmare for one father - ruined by a gang of teenage thugs.
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Blasting out music with swear words and sexual references, throwing fireworks at dogs and intimidating all who attend a play park in Portadown has become a common occurrence, he says.

Nigel McCann was taking his little girl for a Thursday night treat to the children’s play area at Bachelor’s Walk when they were confronted by a 30 strong gang of youths.

Mr McCann (33) said the gang of girls but mainly boys walked closed by and one lit a firework. “They threw it close to the play park which was full of children and there were dog walkers everywhere,” said Mr McCann.

Edenvilla Park, Batchelors Walk, Portadown. Photo courtesy of Google.Edenvilla Park, Batchelors Walk, Portadown. Photo courtesy of Google.
Edenvilla Park, Batchelors Walk, Portadown. Photo courtesy of Google.

He revealed how one elderly woman’s dog ran off and out onto the main road.

Mr McCann, who works in construction and keeps fit, said: “I wouldn’t be intimidated by them but I’m sure people like that elderly woman are and other young children.”

He praised some young people who tried to help catch the little dog but were unable to.

Mr McCann recalled another day, around a month ago, when he took his daughter and her friend to the park.

He said: “There were at least 15 teenagers, both boys and girls, at the swings. They were shouting and swearing.”

He explained that both himself and another man asked them to stop swearing as there were children present.

“They said OK but a couple of minutes later they started playing music with swearing and sexual references through a speaker,” he said.

Mr McCann said on both occasions the PSNI was contacted. “It was reported but whether or not it was followed up, I have no idea.”

He added: “Parents need to open their eyes as to what their teenage children are getting up to.”

Mr McCann said youths were also throwing eggs at people’s cars and said the litter problem at Bachelor’s Walk is ‘a disgrace’.

“I would like to see more police patrols. Gangs of 30 youths walking about and in your face is very intimidating for many people.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police in Portadown are aware of concerns about anti-social behaviour in the local area.”

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Paul Moore said: “Our officers have been working closely alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to try to address this problem and I want to reassure the community that we take anti-social behaviour very seriously.

“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities and people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and must stop.

“We have asked parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with and also to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, with a criminal record which could have an impact on their future employment and even travel.

“I want to reassure the community our officers will be continuing to carry out patrols in the Portadown area and I would encourage anyone who witnesses any anti-social or criminal behaviour to report any incidents to us on the non-emergency number 
101.

“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Or, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

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