'˜Mindless thugs' vandalise new housing project in east Belfast

Vandals who targeted number of properties at a new social housing project in the Lisnasharragh area of east Belfast have been condemned as 'mindless thugs'.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Police are investigating criminal damage at the Clanmil Housing development at Tudor Drive, which is believed to have been carried out last night.

“It was reported that at around 9.45pm three unknown males smashed windows in a number of unoccupied houses in the area. A total of 11 windows were smashed as a result of the incident,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area last night and who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact officers in Strandtown on 101 quoting reference 1325 06/11/18.”

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has condemned those responsible for the vandalism and urged the public to help police bring those responsible to justice.

The DUP man tweeted a picture of some of the damage caused to the properties along with a message appealing for anyone with information about what happened to contact the police.

“I am appalled that 11 new Clanmil properties in Lisnasharragh were vandalised overnight,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Tenants have been waiting a long time to receive the keys to their new homes and were due to have their first viewing this afternoon. Unfortunately, they will now have to wait to allow repairs to be carried out.

Damage caused to one of the new properties at the Clanmil Housing development at Tudor Drive, Lisnasharragh.Damage caused to one of the new properties at the Clanmil Housing development at Tudor Drive, Lisnasharragh.
Damage caused to one of the new properties at the Clanmil Housing development at Tudor Drive, Lisnasharragh.

“A number of the properties vandalised were purpose-built for families with special and complex needs.

“I would strongly urge that anyone with information come forward and contact PSNI.”

Also condemning those behind the attack, Robin Newton MLA said: “This is a shameful attack by mindless thugs. A number of families have been waiting for a substantial length of time for the keys to their new properties, many of which were built for special and complex needs. It is vital that anyone with information comes forward and reports this to PSNI.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alderman Tommy Sandford added: “It is regrettable that there are those in our society who have taken it upon themselves to vandalise 11 new homes in this development. The new tenants were due to view the properties today and to move in shortly after. This will cost money to repair and delay families moving into these much needed homes.”

The Clanmil Housing Group has been contacted, but hadn’t responded at the time of publication.