Cat injured in horrific attack

The Halloween hoodlums threw fireworks at trick-or-treaters and set light to a firework attached to a cat’s tail in Murraywood.

The ‘MAIL’ has learned the animal sustained injuries which required its tail to be amputated.

It’s understood the incidents in Murraywood happened between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson, who was contacted by residents following the disturbing events, said: “I am absolutely shocked and appalled to hear that the thuggish actions of a few have spoilt Halloween for so many people.

“I was saddened to hear that young children, who were innocently trick-or-treating, were directly targeted with fireworks and indeed that a cat was severely injured when a firework was tied to its tail.”

Police in Lurgan are appealing for information following the incident of animal cruelty which led to the cat’s tail having to be amputated.

A number of youths were gathered in the Murraywood area during this time and police are appealing to them or anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.

Councillor Dobson continued: “Halloween has traditionally been a time of community spirit and I utterly condemn those who through their careless and extremely dangerous actions have left young children terrified and spoilt Halloween for so many.

“Thankfully there were no serious injuries, but the deliberate targeting of young children with fireworks could have so easily resulted in severe injury.

“These incidences occurred in a quiet residential area of Waringstown and I know that residents do not wish this to happen ever again.”

After speaking with residents Mrs Dobson contacted the PSNI to arrange a meeting between Neighbourhood Policing representatives and a number of Murraywood residents which took place on Saturday evening.

Commenting after the meeting she said: “We discussed policing issues relating to this area of Waringstown and measures which could be taken to ensure that a repeat of this incident can be avoided. The police representatives urged that residents report incidents as soon as they happen to enable a speedy response from the police.

“I would ask anyone who may have information which could assist the police in their on-going investigation to get in contact with Lurgan PSNI.”

The PSNI can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.