Violent rioting in Portadown and Lurgan branded 'senseless' as some businesses to close and Translink services to halt amid fears of further unrest

Northern Ireland World

Violent rioting in Portadown and Lurgan branded 'senseless' as some businesses to close and Translink services to halt amid fears of further unrest

A police car was burnt out, businesses were badly damaged and residents’ homes destroyed during rioting in Portadown and Lurgan on Tuesday evening. It followed a call for protests across NI following a knife attack on a man in north Belfast on Monday evening after which a Sudanese asylum seeker was arrested for attempted murder. In Portadown a police car was burnt out and several businesses suffered significant damage. In Church St a takeaway business had windows smashed and furniture destroyed during the rioting. Arbour Housing in Carleton St, Portadown was also damaged during rioting. VIP Church Street Apartments in Portadown, issued a statement on social media on Tuesday night stating: “Absolutely disgusted by the senseless violence in Portadown tonight! Two elderly guests were attacked in their accommodation by masked men for absolutely no reason! What is this town coming to? "Who is going to take accountability for this? Destroying local businesses, why? What does that achieve? A number of bins and other items were stolen from residents’ gardens in Lurgan and set alight on the railway line at Lake St. A Translink spokesperson said: “Due to expected protests all Translink bus and rail services will be suspended this evening (Wednesday 10 June). “There will be no bus departures after 5pm and no train services will depart after 6pm. "There is currently a temporary suspension of some bus services until 1.30pm after which time services will resume. “We are working closely with a range of stakeholders, including the PSNI, our Trade Unions, and other key partners to make appropriate arrangements to keep our passengers, staff and the wider public safe. “Passengers are advised that services may be subject to alteration or cancellation. Where possible, passengers should travel earlier in the day and allow extra time for their journeys. “Suspending services is always a last resort, but the safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. We want to give people as much

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