Police investigating criminal damage at Newtownabbey Sure Start

Police are appealing for information following the report of criminal damage being caused to a play area at the Abbey Sure Start facility in the Rathmullan Drive area of Rathcoole.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A programme focussing on the development of toddlers had to be cancelled at the site yesterday (Tuesday) after the vandalism was reported.

Commenting on social media on Monday (May 31), a spokesperson for Abbey Sure Start said: “Unfortunately after vandalism occurred in the outside play area of our Dunanney site, it is necessary to cancel the Developmental two to three year-old programme on Tuesday, June 1. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Detectives at Musgrave Police Station are continuing to probe the incident.

Police are appealing for information after damage was reported at the play area at Abbey Sure Start in Rathcoole.Police are appealing for information after damage was reported at the play area at Abbey Sure Start in Rathcoole.
Police are appealing for information after damage was reported at the play area at Abbey Sure Start in Rathcoole.

In a statement issued to the Times, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Enquiries are continuing and anyone with any information about this incident or who may be able to help with the investigation, is asked to call detectives in Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 483 of 01/06/21, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/”

Macedon UUP Cllr Robert Foster has urged anyone with information to contact the police.

Cllr Foster said: “I was totally disgusted when I saw the damage to the outdoor space at Abbey Sure Start. This mindless vandalism meant that children were denied using the outside space on such a great day yesterday.

“I wish to thank our council team for assisting with the clear up. I urge anyone with any information on this vandalism of a vital community asset to contact PSNI.”

----

Click here to read Man due in court following Glengormley attack

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.