TROUBLE flared in Kilkeel last night.
A car was set alight in the town centre, and out of control, crashed into the front of a charity shop not far from where an earlier, peaceful gathering took place, during which prayers were offered for a man who was seriously injured in north Belfast the night before.
The violence, which followed Monday night’s knife attack, has been unreservedly condemned by local MLAs and councillors, who have appealed for calm.
Diane Forsythe, the MLA for the area said: Tonight, protests have taken place right across Northern Ireland including in Kilkeel where there was a peaceful and respectful act of solidarity with the man who was brutally attacked in Belfast at the Lower Square that finished with the Lord’s Prayer – the people had come together and made a powerful statement and there was no need or justification for violence and destruction.
“It is disgraceful that low lives then appeared in the town and decided to cause havoc, burning cars and damaging property. This is unacceptable and serves nobody well.”
Councillor Michael Rice was in Kilkeel yesterday to see the car being set alight.
He wrote on his social media: “The scenes we have witnessed on the streets of Kilkeel tonight are completely unacceptable.
“Attacking a local business has nothing to do with community. This is outright thuggery.”
Councillor Henry Reilly expressed his concern on social media as well.
“Totally disgusted with what happened in Kilkeel tonight – burning cars and damaging property is counter-productive and only damages our own community.
“There was a peaceful and respectful act of solidarity with the man who was brutally attacked in Belfast at the Lower Square that finished with the Lord’s Prayer – the people had come together and made a powerful statement and there was no need or justification for violence and destruction.”
