Angling boat on Bann is damaged in attack
Robert Newell in his little angling boat which was attacked by vandals on the Bann. Two youths - aged 12 and 14 - have been questioned in connection with the incident.
TWO youths aged 12 and 14 have been questioned by police after a small angling boat was extensively damaged on the River Bann, near the main bridge, on Sunday night.
The boat owner, Portadown man Robert Newell (63), has praised the swift action by the PSNI after one of his sons discovered that windows had been smashed on their boat and internal damage had been caused.
“We have been fishing the river from the stretch opposite Portadown Golf Club right down to Lough Neagh for about 35 years,” said Mr Newell, “This is the worst damage that we’ve ever experienced. There have been one or two attacks in the past, but only slight damage was done. We’ve had three boats over that time and one was used for target practice by someone with a gun at one stage.”
His sons Robert and Gordon have also enjoyed the fishing over the years, mainly coarse fishing for pike, roach and bream, although there are also a few trout in the river, especially at Hoy’s Meadow. And the Newells reckon that fishing at the moment is among the best ever, especially the large pike being taken from the Bann.
“It’s a great pastime and we don’t expect our little boat to be attacked in this way,” said Mr Newell. “The vandals smashed five laminated windows, which took some effort, they broke a door inside and generally messed up the interior. We’ll be able to get it fixed up okay, but it’s all totally pointless.”
He added that the police were on the scene within minutes and took in two boys for questioning. “We appreciate the swift action of the police.”
A statement from the PSNI confirmed that two youths, aged 12 and 14, had been interviewed and released pending a report. The damage, the PSNI added, was several hundred pounds.
They appealed for witnesses to contact them at the local police station, telephone 0845 600 8000.
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Weather for Portadown
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
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Wind direction: North west
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