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Concerns over city centre safety | Concerns over city centre safety |
(30 minutes later) | |
Concerns are growing about public safety in and around Lanyon Place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. | Concerns are growing about public safety in and around Lanyon Place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. |
A 14-year-old girl was raped in the area at the weekend and last week an 18-year-old man jumped off a bridge to avoid a fight in the same area. | A 14-year-old girl was raped in the area at the weekend and last week an 18-year-old man jumped off a bridge to avoid a fight in the same area. |
A total of 36 people were arrested in the city centre over the weekend. | |
The district police commander for south Belfast, George Hamilton, said police were working hard to deal with what he described as a "significant problem". | The district police commander for south Belfast, George Hamilton, said police were working hard to deal with what he described as a "significant problem". |
"We have robust enforcement, but we need a longer term approach," he said. | "We have robust enforcement, but we need a longer term approach," he said. |
"We would also appeal to the young people themselves and their parents to take their responsibility seriously." | "We would also appeal to the young people themselves and their parents to take their responsibility seriously." |
A 20-year-old man arrested in connection with the girl's rape has been released on bail. | A 20-year-old man arrested in connection with the girl's rape has been released on bail. |
The attack happened in Lanyon Place, near the Waterfront Hall at about 2030 GMT on Saturday, police said. | The attack happened in Lanyon Place, near the Waterfront Hall at about 2030 GMT on Saturday, police said. |
It is understood that police are following a definite line of enquiry in relation to the assault and they have appealed for witnesses. | It is understood that police are following a definite line of enquiry in relation to the assault and they have appealed for witnesses. |
Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said he was shocked by the attack, describing it as a "serious development". | Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said he was shocked by the attack, describing it as a "serious development". |
Sinn Fein West Belfast assembly member Jennifer McCann urged anyone with information about the attack to go to the police. | Sinn Fein West Belfast assembly member Jennifer McCann urged anyone with information about the attack to go to the police. |
"It is a horrendous crime to happen to anyone but to happen to someone at such a young age is appalling," she said. | "It is a horrendous crime to happen to anyone but to happen to someone at such a young age is appalling," she said. |
"I just hope she gets the support and help she needs now and in the longer term." | "I just hope she gets the support and help she needs now and in the longer term." |
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