Police appeal over hooded men ‘acting suspiciously’ incident in Carrickfergus

Police responded to a report of suspicious activity by hooded males in the Sullatober Square area of Carrickfergus early this morning.

Chief Inspector Michael Simpson said: “We received a report that a number of men, all wearing dark clothing and with hoods up, were acting suspiciously and looking at cars in the area.

“When investigating, it was noted that a bonfire in the same location had been set alight prematurely, at around 3am this morning.”

Stating that Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, CI Simpson added: “Our enquiries are continuing and we are appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 233 of 11/07/19.”

A NIFRS spokesperson confirmed that one appliance from Carrickfergus was called to a bonfire alight in the Oakfield Drive area around 3.45am.

Earlier today, DUP Councillor Mark Collins issued an appeal for calm after a bonfire in the Glenfield estate was set alight. He also called on other bonfire organisers to donate pallets.

Providing an update on social media this afternoon, Cllr Collins said: “Pallets starting to arrive now to get the Glenfield bonfire rebuilt - anything you have that would be massively appreciated by the local community!”

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