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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Connor Lynch

East Belfast community hits out at actions of 'breakaway loyalist group' as tensions escalate

Residents living in Pitt Park have hit out at the actions of a breakaway loyalist group who they claim have escalated tensions in the estate.

Those living in the area off the Newtownards Road claim that homes and residents have been attacked by the group.

There was also an incident during the Northern Ireland Centenary Parade where it is claimed that a group attacked one of the bands and a teenage girl was hit over the head with a glass bottle.

Read more: Gardens flooded with sewage as 'bad smell lingers' in East Belfast

Residents say that there are constant issues with anti-social behaviour in the area and that late night "sash bashes" have been held resulting in families being unable to sleep and having their homes urinated on. They have also said that a band that is not from the area is coming to Pitt Park to practice and have parties after parades.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Pitt Park residents say that the recent incidents are hurting the community and has everyone "living on the edge".

According to one resident, problems started when a member of the breakaway loyalist group posted on social media that they were "back in action" and claimed that they would be targeting anyone involved in drugs and anti-social behaviour.

The resident said: "Really their aim is to try and take it over and run it themselves. Since then there has been ongoing problems in the area, with homes and residents being attacked."

Another resident said that a number of people living in the area have been assaulted including a teenage girl who was hit with a bottle shortly after a band was attacked while taking part in the NI Centenary Parade.

There have also been reports of firing ranges being set up at locations in the Pitt Park area where young people are being taught to shoot with air rifles.

They said: "As a community we are sick and tired of being intimidated by a small group who seem to think they can impose themselves on the people of Pitt Park.

"Police and local politicians are aware of the concerns of the community but nothing seems to be done about it and it is having a terrible impact on all of us living here."

The PSNI confirmed they are aware of 'recent incidents'.

Chief Inspector Rosemary Thompson said: "We are currently investigating a number of recent incidents in the Pitt Park area. We also continue to work alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to address local concerns.

"I would encourage anyone with any information relating to criminal or anti-social behaviour to contact police on 101, or alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

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