In recent weeks, reports have been swirling about the safety of Dungannon Park after several incidents – which have been shared online – have sparked concern.
The incidents which were shared online pertain to April 10 and April 26 – where on both occasions “suspicious behaviour” was reported to police.
The first related to two schoolchildren who were allegedly “charged at” before “being pushed” by an adult male. It is understood a local teacher intervened at the time.
In a message sent to parents, the school explained: “I am writing to inform you about an incident that occurred today (April 10) at Dungannon Park. A member of the public charged at the children, pushing two of them. Fortunately, Mrs. [redacted] was able to position herself between the children and the assailant, ensuring their safety.
“I am relieved to report that all children are unharmed, though naturally frightened by the event.”
The school also encouraged parents to attend the school to speak about the incident if they wished.
Another incident had occurred on the evening of April 10, where a man was reported to police for exhibiting “suspicious behaviour”.
A third report was made on April 26 of two men acting “suspiciously”. It is understood that one of the men approached a group of children who were playing football and later appeared to be photographing and videoing the children.
With a number of similar incidents occurring within a relatively short space of time residents in the area have responded with alarm.
One person has even called for a “warden” to be introduced to patrol the park during the summer months.
They said: “Is there no such thing as community policing or PCSP officers any more? It is now getting to the stage where one is needed or a warden of some sort in the evening at Dungannon Park. The summer nights are coming and so many want to be comfortable letting their innocent kids out and about in the evenings without fear.”
In response, Armagh I contacted police to enquire about the volume of anti-social reports made in the last month in the vicinity of the park.
Police in Dungannon confirmed that they have received three reports of suspicious activity in Dungannon Park between 10 April and Wednesday 30 April.
However, police are asking the public to be “cautious” in respect of incidents like these when posting online.
In response to the first instance, police confirmed it was reported that two school children had been pushed by a man in the Park on 10 April. A suspect was arrested at the scene by responding police and was subsequently charged with two counts of common assault.
The second report was on the evening of a man behaving suspiciously in the park a short time earlier. Police spoke with the reporting person and carried out a number of enquiries however to date there is no information to indicate that any offences were committed.
On 26 April a report was received which described two men acting suspiciously. The reporting person was spoken to and information obtained. Subsequent enquiries did not determine that anything untoward had occurred.
Chief Inspector Ryan McConville said: “We are aware that there has been speculation both online and in the community regarding the number and nature of reports made to police in recent weeks, and we understand how these could cause concern.
“It is important however for us to reassure our community that the reports received have been investigated and enquiries to date do not suggest any further offences have occurred nor is there commonality between reports.
“Both Neighbourhood officers and Local Policing Team officers carry out regular patrols of the park, and we will continue these in the coming days and weeks to provide added reassurance and confidence for park users.
“We would also ask people to be cautious when posting online. We instead encourage anyone with concerns, or those with information or evidence of any criminality to please contact us. We assure you that we will investigate any and all reports made to us.”
You can contact police in Dungannon by calling 101 or if preferred you can contact us online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
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