Violent incidents on rise - just what exactly is happening in Newry?
Concerns as city faces worrying number of anti-social incidents in recent weeks
Those who have been following the news cycle in Newry this past number of weeks are probably all asking the same question - just what exactly is going on in the city?
The recent timeline of incidents in the area paints a staggering picture of a city that seems to be heading down a path of ever-increasing violence and anti-social behaviour.
Newry hit national headlines in August when care worker Anu Okusanya (46) died in hospital after suffering multiple cardiac arrests.
It happened after she ran from a gang of young people who had attacked her on two other occasions in the same area.
On the evening of Tuesday, September 3, police failed to attend a meeting of the Newry, Mourne and Down Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), which discussed growing concerns about the rise of violent incidents in the city, including the circumstances surrounding Anu's death.
The reason why police didn't attend? - the local neighbourhood sergeant who was due to attend the meeting was dealing with two ongoing anti-social behaviour incidents.
The following week saw a number of concerning incidents take place.
On Tuesday, September 10, a car was set on fire in the early hours of the morning in the Chancellor's Hill area. That night, a man was attacked by a number of males with baseball bats in the Helen's Terrace area.
Officers attended and found the man lying on the ground with injuries to his arms and legs.
The next day, Wednesday, September 11, a man was assaulted in his home in the Iveagh Crescent area. A man entered the property and attacked the resident, striking him a number of times.
During the course of the incident, the victim sustained injuries to his head and body. There were two other men who waited outside during the attack.
Then, police revealed they were investigating six reports of aggravated burglaries of a number of homes that took place between 7pm and 1.30pm on the Friday night (September 13).
On Monday, police announced they were investigating thefts from Buttercrane Shopping Centre that took place on Saturday, September 7. Three males and two females are believed to have been involved.
Armagh I put this timeline to the police - asking if they are investigating any correlation between the burglaries and the violent attacks, and if there are plans for an increased police presence in the city in the weeks ahead.
They have not yet responded as of the release of this newsletter.
Newry City Sinn Fein councillor Geraldine Kearns says the robberies in particular have caused great distress in the community.
She said: “First concerns are with those individuals and families who have been impacted by these dastardly acts.
"The details about the robberies and the forced entering of homes by the criminals involved have caused great fear and distress throughout the community.
"Those who carried out these robberies are heartless criminals who care nothing about the damage both financial and emotional that they inflict on their victims.”
Headlines
🚔 Victim who reported Jonathan Creswell to PSNI in 2016 warned ‘he was dangerous’
🚑 Two drivers critical following collision in Markethill
👵 80-year-old woman left with ‘severe facial injuries’ after masonry thrown in Dromore
👊 Concerns over ‘extremely disturbing’ video of two schoolgirls involved in violent fight
😢 Church’s tribute after ‘sudden and unexpected’ passing of 15-year-old schoolgirl
😠 Parents distraught after Early Years Centre in Newry announce closure
🚨 Investigation launched following sudden death of man in Lurgan
⚖️ Woman smashed bottle over partner’s head after he ‘forcibly entered’ her flat, court hears
✍️ Annaghmore author’s life experience inspires creation of children’s book ‘Ullah Land’
🐓 Lorry transporting hens catches fire near Moy
💔 Mother-of-four Tracey Crossan to be laid to rest following sad passing in Mexico last month
📸 John Paul II Awards in pictures: A Celebration of Young People in the Archdiocese of Armagh
⚖️ Newry woman made false report that man was attacked with Stanley knife over £100 drug debt
🏣 Lack of interest in renting historic Armagh office building sees apartments planned instead
⚖️ Man appears in court accused of attempting to communicate sexually with child
📸 In Pictures: Royal visit celebrates community spirit in Portadown
⚖️ Man accused of damaging five cars at roundabout in Armagh appears in court
💧Water taste and odour issues for residents in parts of Portadown and Lurgan
⚖️ Stalking campaign allegedly triggered by young woman’s smile
👮♂️ PSNI confirm Newry-based officer accused of paying for sexual services has been suspended
🚣♀️ Council decision to purchase Camlough Lake land ‘a significant development’
Notice Board
Southern Area Hospice’s 16th Annual Midnight Memory Walk | 6km family walk takes place at St Colman’s College on Saturday September 28 | music from the Choir Studio and refreshments | Those attending will also receive a memory bib to wear and to state who they are walking in memory of. The Hospice’s Memory Wall will be in situ on the night so that people can place a dedication for their loved one for all to view | Click here to register
Just A Chat White Collar Fight Night | September 13 | 7pm | Seagoe Hotel, Portadown | A night of white collar action in aid of Just A Chat. Featuring some of their own members | £25 per ticket | All tickets bought will be entered into a free draw for an overnight stay at the Galgorm Hotel.
Special Olympics Ireland Fundraiser | September 17 | 10am-4pm | Orchard Leisure Centre, Armagh | Coffee morning for Special Olympics Ireland.
Tickets are on sale for the 2024 Armagh I People of the Year Awards. If you fancy coming along and having a great night out, more information and tickets can be found here.
Armagh Jobs
🆕 McGleenan’s Centra Keady require a Chef/Cook and Hot Food / Deli Positions.
🆕 Houseproud Furnishings require Admin/Receptionist and Sales Advisors.
🆕 Armagh City Hotel require Fitness Instructor and Health & Fitness Suite Receptionist.
🆕 Sunnymead Residential Living require a Cook and Care Assistant.
🆕 CP&A Supplies in Camlough require Truck Drivers.
✅ The Armagh City Hotel require a Fitness Instructor.
✅ T. H. Jenkinson have a new opportunity for a Trailer/Agri Mechanic.
✅ The Dublin Road Bureau require Counter Staff.
✅ Now Group require an Employment Officer.
✅ Linwoods require General Operatives.
✅ The Parkland Restaurant Armagh require a Chef.
✅ Farmlay Eggs require General Factory Operative and General Factory Cleaner.
✅ Trimprint Armagh require an Accounts Administrator.
✅ The Deluxe Group require Bench Joiners, Machine and Skilled Operatives.
✅ Industrial Temps require Production Operatives.
✅ Re-Gen Waste have a number of full-time vacancies.
✅ Mount Charles have a number of full time roles across Armagh and beyond.
🆕 McGleenan’s Centra Keady require a Chef/Cook and Hot Food / Deli Positions.
🆕 McCrum’s Cafe and Bistro require a Kitchen Assistant/Porter.
✅ The Armagh City Hotel require a Health and Fitness Receptionist.
✅ Farmlay Eggs require General Factory Cleaner.
✅ Linwoods Armagh require General Operatives.
✅ Mount Charles require Cleaning Operatives and Catering Assistants.
🛎️ If you have a job and want to advertise it to 40,000 daily users on www.armaghjobs.com and www.armaghi.com, as well as more than 9,000 people on this newsletter and our 100,000 social media followers, get in touch.
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