21-04-2025
Resident in mixed housing estate warned they will be ‘burnt out' if union flags erected by masked men are removed
Earlier today it was reported a resident of the Altona Drive and Altona Gardens area in Lisburn was told 'their house will be burnt' if flags erected on lamp-posts by masked men were removed.
Residents in the area were previously posted leaflets purportedly from the UFF.
An Alliance Party MLA has hit out against intimidation in a Co Down housing estate.
Earlier today it was reported a resident of the Altona Drive and Altona Gardens area in Lisburn was told 'their house will be burnt' if flags erected on lamp-posts by masked men were removed.
Police have since said they would engage with "local community representatives and partner agencies around any complaints about flags".
Last year, a new £16m mixed-use development was opened in Altona by housing association Choice. It consists of 30 three-bedroom homes, 46 two-bedroom properties and three four-bedroom houses.
A further 11 properties have been specially designed for disabled tenants and are made up of three houses, two bungalows and six apartments.
Residents in the area were also reportedly recently sent leaflets claiming to be from loyalist paramilitary organisation, the UFF (Ulster Freedom Fighters).
Containing a logo for loyalist paramilitary group, the letters, which are strewn with spelling and grammatical mistakes read: 'This is loyalist Lisburn, not republican west Belfast. Anyone caught removing loyalist flags from lampposts will be dealt with.'
In a statement, Alliance Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford condemned the recent intimidation.
Mr Honeyford has said: 'Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, and the fact that this is the second time in the last month we're seeing this kind of intimidation here in this area is especially repugnant.
'Our community belongs to everyone. We simply cannot accept any kind of sectarian demarcation of territory or personal threat of violence, and this must be roundly condemned by all.
'Lisburn is an overwhelmingly welcoming place. These individuals speak solely for themselves and offer nothing beyond increasingly futile attempts at dragging Northern Ireland back into the past.
'I've been in contact with the PSNI regarding this incident, and will continue engaging with authorities to ensure those responsible are dealt with urgently.'
Residents in the area were previously posted leaflets purportedly from the UFF.
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A PSNI spokeswoman added: "Police received a report on Saturday 19 April about flags that had been erected in the area of Altona Drive, Lisburn.
"Every case reported to police will be considered on an individual basis and, where offences have been committed they will be dealt with.
"Officers continue to engage with local community representatives and partner agencies around any complaints about flags."
