Northern Ireland

AAD claims attack on north Belfast house after 'control your youth' threat

Action Against Drugs has claimed they carried out an attack on a house in New Lodge on Monday night
Action Against Drugs has claimed they carried out an attack on a house in New Lodge on Monday night Action Against Drugs has claimed they carried out an attack on a house in New Lodge on Monday night

A REPUBLICAN vigilante group has claimed it carried out an attack on a house in north Belfast days after issuing a threat to the parents of young people allegedly involved in ant-social activity.

In a statement to The Irish News Action Against Drugs (AAD) said it targeted a house in the New Lodge area on Monday and "wrecked it".

Police last night said it was reported that paint was thrown over a house and two windows in a door were smashed at around 10.45pm.

In a statement the PSNI said “a number of people dressed in dark clothing were seen running away from the property”.

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker, who condemned the attack, said tensions “have been very high over the past few weeks”.

“Windows were smashed and paint thrown at the front of the property and those living at this (house) and neighbours were left frightened. Those behind this attack can’t be allowed to take any action into their own hands which will lead to further problems within the community,” he said.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: “This attack was carried out by Action Against Drugs (AAD) just days after their desperate attempt to gain relevance.

“There is no place for these types of vigilante groups. They have been rejected by the people of the New Lodge and should now get off the community’s back. 

“All criminality should be dealt with by the police.”

On Monday AAD issued a statement to The Irish News which said: “Parents who condone and allow their sons/daughters to participate will be held responsible for the actions. Control your youth or we will.”

The warning came days after armed and masked men were pictured in the New Lodge in front of graffiti threatening to take action.

The threats follow a controversial anti-internment bonfire which was built in the area by young people earlier this month and an upsurge in anti-social behaviour.

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