Northern Ireland

DUP deny lobbying for home linked to intimidation

DUP appeal for information over ongoing intimidation at Ballysillan Avenue. Picture by Hugh Russell.
DUP appeal for information over ongoing intimidation at Ballysillan Avenue. Picture by Hugh Russell. DUP appeal for information over ongoing intimidation at Ballysillan Avenue. Picture by Hugh Russell.

The DUP has appealed for information about ongoing intimidation of families in the Ballysillan Avenue area of north Belfast.

To date six families have fled the area under threat from members of a well known criminal family.

"We have met with the police commander for north Belfast, the Housing Executive, Connswater Homes and residents of Ballysillan Avenue. We are continuing to work to bring calm and stability to this area", William Humphrey MLA said.

"We urge anyone who can assist the police investigation to bring forward whatever information they have".

The party have also disputed allegations that it made representation on behalf of a constituent just days before a tenant of a property she was enquiring about was intimidated from the area.

A DUP spokesperson said; "William's office made representation for a constituent. This related to a Housing Executive property and not one of the Connswater Homes properties which have been subject to intimidation.

"This constituent has consented for Mr Humphrey to publicly confirm that the property which she enquired about, which 'would soon become vacant', is a Housing Executive property in Ballysillan Avenue.

"She was aware from the previous tenants, with whom she is on friendly terms, that they were terminating their tenancy and moving to another country. She has since been offered this tenancy and has accepted.

"On becoming aware of the data breach last week, Mr Humphrey's office reported it to the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Information Commissioner's Office.

"He has asked for a thorough investigation. This data breach should be of strong concern to all elected representatives and to the Board of the Housing Executive", the spokesperson added.