Deputy Mayor ‘thankful’ no one injured in Ahoghill explosions

The Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said said he is “saddened” by the disruption caused to families in Ahoghill following two explosions in the village.
By Lorna McKay
Published 10th Sep 2015, 17:50 BST
Cllr. Stewart McDonald, Cllr. Timothy Gaston and Cllr. Billy Henry at the scene in Ahoghill on Thursday morning. INBT39-206ACCllr. Stewart McDonald, Cllr. Timothy Gaston and Cllr. Billy Henry at the scene in Ahoghill on Thursday morning. INBT39-206AC
Cllr. Stewart McDonald, Cllr. Timothy Gaston and Cllr. Billy Henry at the scene in Ahoghill on Thursday morning. INBT39-206AC

Councillor Timothy Gaston said he was thankful no one had been injured in the attacks on two properties in the village’s Brookfield Gardens in the early hours of Thursday morning.

“I am saddened that criminal elements have brought this level of disruption to Ahoghill, but I am also thankful that no one has been injured,” Cllr. Gaston said.

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He added: “Along with Alderman Stewart McDonald I have spent much of today with the residents and in talks with those helping on the ground.

Brookfield Gardens in Ahoghill sealed off by the PSNI. INBT39-203ACBrookfield Gardens in Ahoghill sealed off by the PSNI. INBT39-203AC
Brookfield Gardens in Ahoghill sealed off by the PSNI. INBT39-203AC

“Ahoghill is a thriving village, with a great community spirit and I know that everyone has pulled together and will do in the coming days to put this behind them.

“If anyone has any information I would encourage them to contact the PSNI.”

Bannside councillor Alderman Stewart McDonald, who lives in Ahoghill, spoke of his sadness at the attacks and said the distress caused has “taken a great toll”.

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“Young children were evacuated from their houses and were not able to go to school; elderly residents and those with medical requirements were removed from the familiarity of their home and medication. Those who carried out this attack should be ashamed and the full weight of the law should come down on them,” Ald. McDonald said.

He added: “Fortunately, there have been no injuries. I have been with those evacuated from their homes from 3am this morning, and I am proud of how the community has come together in the face of such adversity.

“I would like to thank all those who helped out – the PSNI have been in constant communication with me throughout the day; Mid and East Antrim Borough Council emergency plan has worked well in opening up the Community Centre for those evacuated; and Social Services have been on hand to assist those who need help.”

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Related topics:Deputy MayorPSNI