Northern Ireland

Anti-drug mural unveiled at north Belfast interface

Drug victim Jamie Burns's parents William and Lesley with family in north Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
Drug victim Jamie Burns's parents William and Lesley with family in north Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell Drug victim Jamie Burns's parents William and Lesley with family in north Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell

A MURAL highlighting the dangers of drugs has been unveiled at a north Belfast interface.

The artwork, painted between Twaddell Avenue and Crumlin Road, was dedicated to Jamie Burns (23), who died in November after taking what his family believe was ecstasy.

Mr Burns, from the Shore Road area of north Belfast, had been socialising at Queen's University's Students' Union when he fell ill and died.

The young man's parents, William and Lesley, attended yesterday's unveiling and the launch of the 'One Pill Will Kill' campaign.

The mural was sponsored by trade union Unite.

Speaking ahead of the event, Albert Hewitt from Unite said he hoped it would increase drug awareness and help save lives.

"The human cost these poisons are having on our young people and their families is truly heart-breaking. The message we want to get out is that all it takes is one pill to kill," he said.

He added: "We hope that this mural will ensure that many more young people are aware of the consequences of taking unknown pills and drugs. We will continue our campaign taking the message out to our communities".