Police are investigating attacks on properties in Lurgan as hate crimes after reports of a child being suspiciously approached in a play park.
The incidents happened in the Mourneview area of the town on Thursday evening (January 2).
A police spokesperson said that at around 4.40pm they received a report of a ‘suspicious approach’ at a play park in the area.
Officers attended and arrested a man in the Ben Crom area on suspicion of assault – who remains in police custody at this time.
During this arrest a small crowd of people had gathered outside the house.
A police vehicle was attacked by the crowd with its window being smashed by stones.
Police assisted the remaining occupants in leaving the property, which was subsequently attacked and the windows smashed.
A short time later, police received reports that crowds of people had smashed the windows of three separate properties in the area.
Officers attended the area and maintained a presence throughout the evening.
District Commander, Superintendent Brendan Green, said the occupants of the properties targeted were not connected to the previous incidents.
He continued: “While investigations into these incidents of criminal damage are ongoing, they are currently being treated as hate crimes.
“This sort of violence is a disgrace and will not be tolerated. Each incident will be robustly investigated and we will do everything in our power to bring people to justice for these hateful crimes.
“I want to assure the community that police have stepped up patrols in the area and will continue to work with local representatives and the community going forward. We will ensure that any victim who comes forward is fully supported.
“I also condemn the actions of those individuals who attacked the police who responded to the initial incident, it is unacceptable that those working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way.
“Thankfully none of the officers were injured, however a police vehicle is now off the road as a result of the damage caused.
“I need to be very clear, if you engage in antisocial behaviour that progresses into criminal behaviour, disorder or hate crimes we will investigate every avenue available to us to identify you, and you will be arrested. These behaviours are not wanted in the community and we will not shy away from taking robust actions to brings those offenders to justice.
“We are working to establish the circumstances surrounding all these incidents and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101.”
