People in a Newry housing estate – home to many elderly residents – have been left concerned, and many frightened, following a number of attacks on homes in recent days.
A Housing Executive home in the Clanrye Avenue area was targeted by, what Armagh I understands, a group of youths who smashed windows to the property earlier this week.
The property – occupied until recently – was empty at the time. Whether those responsible for the attack knew that remains unclear.
The windows were subsequently boarded up but a second attack on a neighbouring property was carried out on Thursday.
Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers said the incident was “a great cause of concern” in the area.
“This is the second such incident in the locality as last weekend another home close by had been attacked by a group of young men,” he said.
“These spates of attacks are a cause of great concern amongst residents. It is a worrying trend. This type of activity will not be tolerated within the local community. The people here want to live in peace and free from fear and criminal acts.”
A police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating recent reports of criminal damage in the Clanrye Avenue area of Newry.
“A window of a house was smashed at approximately 1am on Wednesday, June 3.
“The window of a neighbouring property was also reportedly smashed at approximately 7.30pm on Thursday, June 4.
“Police are examining a possible link between both of these incidents, and enquiries are ongoing.”
