Concerns young person could be killed on Co Armagh waste ground
Hundreds of teenagers have been gathering at the site of a former factory in Lurgan, sparking fears someone could be seriously injured or even killed.
Last updated 29th Apr 2017
By Jordan Moates, CHIEF REPORTER
The unsecured area at Victoria Street has become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour with teenagers using it for drinking and drug taking, some as young as thirteen.
The PSNI recently highlighted the issue on their Facebook page in a warning to parents about the dangers posed by the waste ground.
While typical risks of excessive drinking and drug taking in an area like this were pointed out, there is a more sinister threat.
Dissidents have been known to use the area to stash weapons and even explosives.
During a visit with local community workers, Downtown/Cool FM news saw a number of young people using the area as a playground.
They were throwing stones and smashing bottles, that was at 3 o'clock in the afternoon when schools had barely finished.
Sinn Fein Councillor Keith Haughian says: "The feeling from the police is that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or even killed, that is a concern I would share."
"There are accidents waiting to happen, there are broken bottles, rubble and much more.
"On top of that you have remnants of drug use, knives and even potential for explosive devices," he said.
Parents are being urged to know exactly where their children are, in an attempt to prevent a serious accident happening on the site.
Cllr Haughian said: "When we visit there, our concern is for the well being of the young people."
"There are huge fears about the state they are getting themselves into.
"I could only imagine the concern of parents if they could see the site," he said.
The antisocial behaviour is also impacting local residents as the teenagers can become more "boisterous" as the evening goes on.
Local community representatives have called on the owner of the land to secure it to ensure no one gets hurt.
Cllr Haughian said: "I would urge them to come down and see what is happening.
"There is a need for safety and there is a need for a fence."