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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Belfast centre for women and children targeted by "senseless" criminals

Those responsible for another attack on a centre which provides support to women and children in West Belfast have been slammed as "anti-community".

Footprints Women's Centre, in Poleglass, had their fence set alight on Thursday. More criminal damage was caused on Friday, with police issuing an appeal for information.

The centre, was founded in 1991 and is located in the Colin area of Belfast. Their team provide a holistic, high quality service for women and children of all backgrounds.

Read more: Calls for Belfast's oldest public building to be saved

Sinn Féin councillor Caoimhín McCann said oil tanks have been narrowly missed by fire. He went on to slam the attacks as "disgraceful".

"My full solidarity and support to Footprints Women's Centre, and residents of Colinmill who are being tortured by deliberate fires being set at properties," councillor McCann added.

"This is seriously dangerous, anti-community behaviour, especially over the last two nights as oil tanks and homes have narrowly missed being caught alight. There is absolutely no place for this, and an attack on a community asset as well as residents' homes is disgraceful.

"I have contacted the relevant agencies, council ASB and community safety teams who will have an extra presence in the area. Those who are doing this bring nothing to our community, they should stop this now and get off our backs."

On Thursday night, a PSNI spokesperson said: "West Belfast neighbourhood policing team unfortunately received another report of senseless criminal damage caused to Footprints Women and Children's Centre in Poleglass. This time their fence was set on fire. We would appeal to the community to help us put a stop to this."

And less than 24 hours later, a second appeal was issued on behalf of police in the area. This time, with strong condemnation for the acts of destruction.

"West Belfast neighbourhood policing team are saddened to report that once again criminal damage has been caused to Footprints Women and Children's Centre in Poleglass today," they added.

"This is a crucial community resource that supports children and families. Please if you know who is doing this get in touch with us on 999 in emergency or else 101."

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