Living in fear at Princes Street

Parents had to bring their children inside during a hot afternoon and elderly residents were forced to witness lewd sex acts on a Sunday afternoon.

Residents claim prostitution, street fights and drinking round the clock is par for the course in Princes Street where life has become intolerable 
for many. For six months locals have been tortured by a number of people who appear to be resident or casual residents.

They claim that when the Polish nationals first moved in there had been a lot of drinking however it accelerated to open air sex acts, aggressive behaviour and what appeared to be prostitution.

The Mail understands that Polish nationals from one house in Princes Street have been evicted this week but have moved to another house in the same street.

Several residents have complained to the Mail and to the PSNI. One resident was keen to point out that it is just one small group of Polish nationals and other Polish families living in the neighbourhood are equally disgusted at this behaviour.

“It started with one girl and soon there were three, with men arriving in taxis and queuing up outside the house to get at these girls.”

In one incident a male and female committed a sex act on the street, in full view of the neighbours.”

It’s understood the issue has been raised at a meeting between residents and police.

Indeed tensions bubbled over as that meeting took place - with windows at one rented home smashed, unknown to those attending the meeting.

In the wake of the incident there was a heavy police presence in the area with residents unsure if they were there to protect them or those responsible for the anti-social behaviour.

Street fighting among those in the houses has also been a problem, in one incident a man beat up his girlfriend - smashing her head against one neighbour’s window and on another’s front door.

Residents in the area have also been attacked, one woman was spat on during an unsavoury incident.

The community policing team have been involved and their work has been described as ‘absolutely brilliant’.

A police spokesman said: “Police in Lurgan are working with residents of Princes Street and interested agencies to address tensions in the area which have arisen due to antisocial behaviour.

“Police are aware of a number of incidents, allegations and ongoing anti-social behaviour at an address in the Princes Street area between April 2014 and the beginning of June 2014.

“Police understand the impact that anti-social behaviour can have on local residents as well as the whole community. To tackle this issue patrols were increased in the area and we kept in regular communication with local residents.

“We would always advise anyone who encounters any anti-social behaviour or crime in their area to report this to police as soon as possible to give us a chance to investigate. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”