Police come under attack after racist incidents

They received two reports of criminal damage to a house in the Woodburn Crescent area of the town.

These incidents occurred at approximately 11.29pm on Saturday, and approximately 12.05am on Sunday (August 8-9).

A front door window was damaged at the house.

A 17 year old male has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and later released on bail pending further police enquiries.

Inspector McNeill said: “Police are treating this incident as a racially motivated hate crime. No-one has the right to intimidate anyone, people have a right to feel safe within their own homes.

“Whilst officers were attending the scene they came under attack from a group throwing masonry and other missiles. A number of fires were also started by this group.

“NIFRS attended and extinguished these fires. A number of police vehicles sustained damage, however no one was injured.”

Inspector McNeill continued: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable. I would say to those who are responsible for attacking this house and attacking police there will be a full investigation to identify those responsible.

“Police would appeal to anyone who has any information that could assist with our enquiries to contact police at Dungannon on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 24 09/08/20, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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