Buses attacked in Dunmurry by youths – police want to identify those responsible

Buses have been repeatedly stoned in Dunmurry over the past few days prompting a police appeal to help identify those young people responsible.

And police are asking parents to be aware of where their children are gathering, and ensure they are not getting involved in this type of reckless behaviour.

In the first incident, police received a report just after 8pm on Saturday (February 16) that youths had thrown a brick at a bus in the Lagmore Road area, smashing a side window. There were no injuries reported.

In the second incident two buses were stoned by youths at the top of Lagmore Avenue at the mini roundabout. No damage was reported. This happened on Monday night (February 18), shortly after 9:15pm.

A short time later in another incident, a door was smashed. No injuries were reported.

And last night (Tuesday, February 19) just after 9:10pm a bus was attacked by a group of around seven to eight youths, throwing objects at the bus and attempting to board the vehicle as it was driving past. They also tried to get into a white Dacia Duster car. It’s believed this occurred around 9pm.

The youths involved wore dark coloured track tops, with the hoods pulled up.

Around half an hour later, a torch had been used to smash the rear window of the same white Dacia Duster car at Mount Eagles Way.

Police conducted a check of the area, but no youths were located in the area.

Sergeant Claire Lloyd is appealing for information to help identify those responsible.

“I also want to make a direct appeal to those involved – stop this senseless and dangerous criminal behaviour. You are risking the safety of everyone aboard these buses, other young people, the elderly and families when you target them like this. A criminal record could impact on your future.

“It’s not about spoiling fun, this is about keeping people safe.”

“Anyone who witnessed what occurred should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1385 of 28/12/18,” she added.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.