Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin say residents of Jonesborough 'at their wits end' amid criminal and anti-community behaviour

Police have appealed for information
Police have appealed for information Police have appealed for information

SINN Féin last night said residents of a Co Armagh village "are at their wits end" amid recent criminal and anti-community behaviour.

Liz Kimmins has called for an urgent meeting with police following the latest incident in Jonesborough which left two people injured in separate hit and run collisions on Tuesday night.

She said a car was deliberately driven through the village ramming other vehicles and over-turning another.

"In the event an innocent young woman was injured and had to be cut from one vehicle and rushed to hospital," she said.

"This is not the first time that this type of incident has taken place in the village and people are at their wits end that sooner or later someone will be seriously injured or killed as a result of this criminal and anti-community behaviour."

Police have appealed for witnesses who saw the black Toyota Avensis car involved in the crashes in the Village and Finnegans Road areas.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: "It is believed that between 6.40pm and 7.30pm, the black Toyota collided first with a white Citroen Berlingo van and then later with a blue Mini Cooper.

"Two people were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

"We are appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened or has dashcam or mobile phone footage that could help us identify the driver and passenger we believe were involved in the incident to get in touch.

"Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1547 17/08/21.

"We would also like to reassure the local community that we will be increasing passing patrols in the area and urge anyone with information about any offences to contact police."

Ms Kimmins colleague, councillor Mickey Larkin, also said: "Residents believe that the same individuals are involved and that a serious drug culture underlies these incidents.

"Jonesborough is a proud village and community and deserves better than to be held to ransom by this group of thugs.

"Sinn Féin local representatives urge people to come forward with any information they have in relation to these events and bring it to the PSNI. Sinn Féin reps are available to facilitate this process and give any help and assistance necessary to the community."