A reported attempted abduction in Newry should be a wake-up call to every parent — particularly when we understand that this is the second similar incident to be reported in the area within approximately three months.

A local parent has reported that their son was the victim of an attempted abduction on Monday evening on Martins Lane, just outside their estate.

Thankfully, the young boy is now safely back home with his family. But this cannot simply be brushed aside.

THIS IS THE SECOND REPORTED INCIDENT IN THREE MONTHS

Two reported incidents involving children. Two separate occasions. Approximately three months apart.

That is a pattern that deserves attention. Parents should not have to wait for something even more serious to happen before concerns are taken seriously. We are therefore urging parents across Newry, Mourne and Down to remain extremely vigilant and to speak openly with their children about personal safety. This is about protecting our children and making sure parents are aware of what is being reported in their own communities.

A MESSAGE TO NEWRY’S COUNCILLORS

And now we have a message for the councillors who make decisions affecting our town. Your first responsibility is to the people who live here.

Not political agendas.

Not political labels.

Not fashionable campaigns.

The people of Newry.

Locals First Initiative has spent months raising serious questions about the direction Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is taking, including its involvement with the City of Sanctuary movement. We have raised concerns about migration, housing pressures, community cohesion, transparency and the impact of council decisions on local people. Those concerns are not going away. Residents are raising them. Parents are raising them. Families are raising them. And they deserve answers.

WHERE ARE THE PRIORITIES?

When there are two reported incidents involving children within approximately three months, parents have every right to demand that safety and security remain at the forefront of the conversation.

At a time when local families are already raising serious concerns about the future of their communities, we believe our elected representatives need to stop taking local people for granted.

Listen to the people who elected you.

Listen to parents.

Listen to local families.

Listen when residents raise concerns.

And above all: PUT LOCAL PEOPLE FIRST.

The people of Newry deserve a council that takes their concerns seriously. They deserve councillors who will ask difficult questions. They deserve transparency. They deserve accountability.

And our children deserve to grow up in communities where their parents feel safe.

 ALL EYES ON NEWRY

Two reported incidents in approximately three months should concern every parent. We cannot simply shrug our shoulders and move on. Our children come first. Our communities come first. And our elected representatives must never forget who they were elected to represent.

OUR CHILDREN FIRST. OUR COMMUNITIES FIRST.