Arrests have been made following a “serious” disturbance in Dungannon where groups reportedly gathered with weapons.
The incident occurred last night following the targeting of a property in the Courthouse Villas area, according to UUP spokesperson, Ian Irwin.
Following this, the UUP representative said a serious incident occurred in the Kilcoole Drive / Eastvale Avenue area, where a “confrontation is understood to have taken place involving a large group, many carrying weapons”.
Mr Irwin explained that police have arrested three people, all believed to be East Timorese nationals, and have recovered a number of weapons.
Footage shared on social media shows one person seemingly taking an item from the back of their trousers before discarding it at a property to evade police.
It is understood this item was a knife, which was then recovered by police.
Cllr Clement Cuthbertson said he had been advised that “gangs from the East Timor community have been attacking other East Timor homes”.
By midnight, the Cllr said “all is quiet now” and informed residents that no groups appeared to be lingering in the area and police had also dispersed.
Cllr James Burton added: “Concerning scenes last night in Dungannon with the gang-related violence and criminal behaviour that has taken place.
“The actions of a violent minority, three of which have now been arrested, do not represent the people of Dungannon, and we will not allow open intimidation or lawlessness to dictate the atmosphere of our streets.
“Everyone in our town has the right to feel secure in their own neighbourhood without the fear of anti-social behavior or organized disruption.”
The situation remains under investigation, and anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact the PSNI.
