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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

Translink confirms two Gliders damaged after stones and masonry thrown in West Belfast

Translink has confirmed that two of its Glider vehicles were damaged within minutes of each other in West Belfast on Sunday night.

Stones and masonry were thrown at vehicles on the Stewartstown Road shortly before 7pm yesterday evening, causing damage and resulting in the service being reduced.

Police said the cost of repair will be extensive and that the risk of injuring staff and passengers was high.

A Translink spokesperson told Belfast Live on Monday: “Damage was caused to two Gliders within minutes of each other on the Stewartstown Road just before 7pm yesterday evening.

“For the safety of our staff and passengers, Glider services operated to Michael Ferguson Roundabout for the rest of the evening. However, full service is restored this morning.

“The safety of our customers, staff and the wider public is our top priority at all times. We have zero tolerance for attacks on our vehicles and we work closely with the PSNI, community and elected representatives to reduce and prevent acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“We operate a cash reward scheme offering up to £1,000 to any member of the public who witnesses any incident and is prepared to give evidence in court, resulting in a conviction.”

A PSNI spokesperson added: "West Belfast neighbourhood policing team are unfortunately dealing with another incident of criminal damage caused to a Glider on Stewartstown Road this evening (Sunday 30th January) at 6:50pm.

"Stones and masonry were thrown from the new park area onto the Stewartstown Road which struck the vehicle a number of times including the windscreen.

"Unfortunately a second Glider was damaged in and around the same time at the same location.

"The cost of repair will be extensive and the risk of injuring staff and passengers was high. The service has now been reduced this evening which impacts the community.

"If you have any information or were in the in the Stewartstown Road between 6:30pm and 7pm on Sunday 30th January and noticed anyone acting suspiciously please get in contact with us on 101 or you can report online. Please quote crime reference 1616 30/1/22."

Three weeks ago, a member of staff working on the Glider in West Belfast was left distressed after a youth spat in their face.

The incident took place at the Glengoland stop at around 5.25pm on Wednesday, January 5, when a group of youths boarded the Glider.

One of the members of the group reportedly spat in the face of a member of the Glider staff, causing them "considerable distress".

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