West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Arsonists target Barnardos clothes bank in Loughmacrory

Published: 14 February, 2010

Cllr Sharon O Brien pictured at the charity clothes bank which was targetted on Saturday afternoon.

Cllr Sharon O Brien pictured at the charity clothes bank which was targetted on Saturday afternoon.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Sharon O Brien has strongly condemned the arsonists who set fire to a charity clothes bank in Loughmacrory village on Saturday afternoon.

According to the Loughmacrory based Councillor, "At 1.30pm on Saturday a number of youths dropped a banger into the Barnardos clothes bank which is located at the play park in Loughmacrory.

"This was a very frightening experience for the young children who were playing in the park at the time, with many being engulfed in toxic smoke and fumes. Luckily, the clothes bank is made of metal and the fire was contained inside the container. Had it been made of plastic like the other bottle and glass repositories in the vicinity, this would have been a more serious and potentially tragic incident.

"I want to commend the swift actions and bravery of the children who spotted the fire and got a bucket of water from the local shop to douse the flames. Their actions were highly responsible and deserve credit.

Cllr O Brien continued "The charity clothes bank is a much appreciated community facility which benefits people who are in need. The garments inside have now been completely destroyed in this despicable and selfish action.

"As the local Councillor for this area, I have noted that there is a very small number of youths who continue to engage in anti community activity. I urge this small group of youths to stop this behaviour immediately and I also call on the parents of these youths to be more mindful of their whereabouts and as their guardians to take some responsibility for their actions".

For a comment on this news story, contact Cllr O Brien on: 079 000 12939 or 02880771591