Several large gangs of youths, some throwing fireworks and setting fires, are terrorising an NI town

A number of large gangs of youths, some throwing fireworks and setting fires, terrorised the streets of an NI town at the weekend.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Police said they had multiple reports of anti-social behaviour involving ‘large gatherings of youths in various parts of Portadown on Saturday evening and into the night.

It comes a week after the PSNI revealed they were dealing with ‘passed out children’ in the town as the number of pockets of anti-social behaviour soared.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A PSNI spokesperson revealed that there were also reports of youths gathering at building sites.

Hoy's Meadow. INPT46-231.Hoy's Meadow. INPT46-231.
Hoy's Meadow. INPT46-231.

Reports of fires at multiple locations resulted in the NI Fire and Rescue service being called out.

The PSNI said: “We had multiple reports of Antisocial Behaviour involving large gatherings of youths in various parts of Portadown.

“We had reports of large groups of young people gathered in various locations.

“Reports that alcohol was involved.

“We had reports of fireworks and other things being thrown.

“Reports of groups in building sites.

“Reports of fires and the NIFRS were called out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“On top of that there are the recent Covid restrictions which came in to force on Friday....

“Parents - please know where your children are. Please educate them about their behaviour and future consequences of their actions. Try to encourage them to stay at home.”

Last week the PSNI said it was dealing with a high volume of anti-social behaviour.

Areas such as Edenvilla Park, Shillingtons, the Bann, Hoyes Meadow and the Bulllring are regular hotspots.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesperson said: “We regularly patrol these areas along with our partner agencies and we speak to the young people there, advising them on the consequences of antisocial behaviour and taking action where we have to. Some young people are enjoying themselves responsibly but unfortunately others play loud music or drink until they are intoxicated and need medical assistance.”

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you