Beattie condemns Belfast city centre incident

Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie has condemned an incident which took place in Belfast city centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police say a man tried to take a car and then ordered a woman and her child out, threatening them in the process.

Following the hijacking, the car was later found in Upper Stanfield Street.

“This was a disgraceful incident, and my thoughts are with those impacted,” said Councillor Beattie.

“Anyone with information should bring it to the PSNI.”

Mr Beattie added that a taskforce will soon be established to address the rise of crime and anti-social behaviour in Belfast city centre:

“I welcome cross-party support for this proposal by Sinn Féin in council.

“The recent rise in crime in the city centre is concerning.

“We will continue working with others to address this and ensure our city centre is safe and welcoming.”