Teenage Girls Arrested In Connection With Co Down Assault

Two teenage girls, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested in connection with an assault in County Down on Saturday, 17 June.

On the evening of 17 June, police received reports of up to 40 young people gathered in the Banks Lane car park area of Ballyholme. As officers made their way to the scene, they observed a group of girls in the Groomsport Road area, with one girl appearing to have been assaulted, and stopped to provide assistance. It was discovered that this suspected assault had been filmed and was being shared online. Officers were able to view the footage and identify two suspects.

Chief Inspector Trevor Atkinson said: "Following discussions with the Youth Diversion Officer, we arrested two girls, aged 15 and 16, both of whom have been interviewed and bailed to return for further questioning at a later date. Our enquiries are ongoing.

"Additional officers at the scene dispersed the group of young people in the Bank Lane area.

"I want to reassure the community that we take anti-social behaviour very seriously. Our officers have been working closely alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to address anti-social behaviour in the Ballyholme beach area of Bangor.

"We have asked parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with and to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them injuring themselves or others. Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.

"Neighbourhood and local policing team officers continue to patrol right across Ards and North Down, paying particular attention to our train stations and shared open spaces. We will continue to engage with our local residents and businesses to provide reassurance as we head into the busier summer months.

"I would encourage anyone who witnessed this assault, or any anti-social or criminal behaviour in the area, to report to us on the non-emergency number 101. The reference number for this incident is 1890 of 17/06/23.

"A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."