Lurgan PSNI issues fresh warning as young people found ‘hiding’ in burning building on old St Ronan's College site
Young people are continuing to put themselves in considerable danger on the former St Ronan’s College site in Lurgan, police have warned.
Fresh concerns have been raised after young people were discovered hiding in the building after a fire had broken out.
Since the opening of the new £56m St Ronan’s College at the Cornakinnegar site, the former buildings in Edward Street and Francis Street, which used to be St Mary’s Junior High School and St Paul’s Junior High School, are now derelict.
There have been growing safety fears about reports of young people entering the old school site, with this latest incident escalating concerns even further.
"Over the past week, police have received a number of reports of young people causing damage on the old St Ronan's site,” a PSNI spokesperson confirmed.
"On Thursday, Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team attended such a report to discover windows being broken and a fire alight in the building.
"Three young persons were located hiding in one of the rooms and will be dealt with for a number of offences.
"Not only were a number of offences committed, it is concerning that these young people were hiding in a building that was on fire.
"This site is not safe for young people to be on,” the spokesperson said.
Police are urging parents to make sure they are aware where their children are and that they are not putting themselves and others in danger.
Sinn Féin Councillor Mary O’Dowd previously highlighted “significant” dangers at the premises.
"“I completely understand that young people may be curious or simply looking for somewhere to gather, but this site is not safe,” she stressed.