Bellaghy and Lavey residents 'terrorised' by anti-social behaviour with eggs and other missiles being pelted at their homes and vehicles

Young families and elderly people in the Lavey and Bellaghy areas are being 'terrorised' by anti-social behaviour with eggs and other missiles being thrown at their homes and cars over the last number of weeks, it has emerged.

Mid-Ulster Sinn Féin Councillor Sean McPeake has condemned the anti-social behaviour which he says has left people frightened.

The Carntogher representative said: “For a number of weeks now I have been aware of a number of separate instances where missiles including eggs have been thrown at local properties during the hours of darkness, where both young families and elderly people are residing.

“Missiles have been fired at houses situated near the roadside and also dwellings off-road and up lengthy laneways.

“I have also saw reports of eggs been thrown from passing cars at other vehicles in the Bellaghy area.

“These incidents should simply not be happening as they are terrorising the inhabitants of those properties that are being randomly selected. I know of children who are frightened to be in their own homes at night in case there is repetition of these attacks.

“I have made contact with PSNI and who are investigating.

“I would ask those who are doing these acts to immediately desist from doing so as these actions are both anti-social and anti-community.”

Police say they have been made aware that the community in the Bellaghy area have concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Ross said: “We would ask that anyone who sees ongoing anti-social behaviour reports it to us as it happens on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps us to focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action.

 “Our neighbourhood team will continue to engage with residents. I would also ask local parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with, and to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour. Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.”