Urgent call for increased police patrols along the Lagan Towpath

Local people responding to a PSNI witness appeal are calling for police patrols to become active on the towpath before anyone else is targeted. One victim, a Lisburn man who wanted to remain anonymous, spoke about his troubling experience on October 3 as a warning to others using the popular path to be vigilant. He said: “I was walking just by Drumbeg bridge at approximately 3.10pm. Just as you come out of the bridge there is a bench to sit. “I was sitting with the dog checking out new fishing spots. I heard rustling, looked to my right and two fellas in what can only be described as ‘off their face’ were walking along, one dragging his feet. “I looked back down at my phone as didn’t want to make much eye contact. As they passed I heard the rustling noise stop. “As I looked around the one who was dragging his feet had stopped and walked up the grass behind me and attempted to grab my phone.“I stood up and he froze. I walked away after that.” Lisburn and Castlereagh councillor, Alex Swan (UUP) is a representative on the board of Lagan Valley Regional Park, where the towpath is located. He said: “I’m obviously concerned at any reports of criminal, or for that matter anti-social behaviour in the area of Lagan Valley Regional Park, specifically the towpath. “As ever members of the public using the park who witness suspicious activity should call the PSNI.”

Police in Lisburn have appealed for witnesses following the second attempted robbery the day after the Lisburn man was approached. A spokesperson said: “Police received a report of an attempted robbery which occurred in the River Road area of Dunmurry at around 6.45am on Tuesday October 4. “It was reported that a woman was walking along the towpath when she was assaulted and asked to hand over cash by two men. The men then made off empty handed. “Enquiries remain ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything, or who may have dashcam or other footage, to contact police.” It is not known at this time if the two incidents are linked.