Water balloon warning issued

And last week an elderly pedestrian was hit by a water balloon in the Russell Drive area in what is increasingly becoming a very dangerous game.

The police have said young people have been throwing water balloons from the top of the block of flats close to the busy Tandragee Road junction.

Anne Hanlon, chair of the Mourneview and Grey estates Residents' Association said the risks were huge.

She said: "It's your natural instinct to swerve if you see something coming towards you.

"These children do not realise the risk they are causing - to others as well as themselves.

"But where are the parents? I would ask, they should know where their children are and what they are getting up to."

Local councillor for the area, Alderman Stephen Moutray urged the police to use their authority to stop the problem.

He said: "To some this may be hijinks, but there is a serious hazard to motorists.

"I would urge young people to resist and failing that the police should pay particular attention to the area and put an end to this."

Alderman Samuel Gardiner said the children were posing a serious risk to life.

He said: "On the roof of the flats they are risking their lives and with the cars passing by they are risking a serious accident.

"To those doing this they probably think it just a bit of fun, but I would ask them to think again."

The police have urged young people to act responsibly, a spokeswoman said: "Parents need to explain to their children the real and obvious dangers associated with throwing water balloons.

"One elderly pedestrian has already been hit by a water balloon. Although this behaviour may seem harmless to those involved, they run the risk of causing damage to property, passing pedestrians and vehicles.

"Parents are asked to regularly check where their children are and what they are getting up to."