East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs said, “Following the life threatening attack at the Royal Oak Bar and then the murder in the Woodburn area it is clear that additional specialist police resources are required to address organised crime in Carrickfergus. The SEA UDA factions are further disadvantaging several disadvantaged communities. Community activity to improve the Castlemara area for example has come to an end yet help is needed. The feuding has left individuals and families in fear and needs in the community not being addressed.
Drugs are ruining lives whilst some grow rich and enjoy the power they can excise through their paramilitary structure and their organised crime.
I again am calling for additional undercover surveillance and specialist Police financial expertise to follow the money that is being generated by drug dealing and other illegal activity. Where is the additional policing support to address Para-militarism promised by the Fresh Start Agreement?”
Adjacent to the part time police station a member of staff has been left with life threatening injuries.
Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist MLA said, “There has also been an arrogance shown by individuals in the attack at the Roy Oak adjacent to the towns part-time police station and by paramilitaries involved in the day time murder in the Pinewood area of Carrickfergus, close to primary schools.
I would urge this to be a turning point for Carrickfergus. The PSNI need information to hold those responsible to account. The public can help by speaking the police directly or by giving information to the CrimeStoppers Confidential Telephone service on 0800 555111. Now is the time to act and help to change Carrickfergus.”
