A 15-year-old schoolgirl from Ballymena has been left shaken after a terrifying ordeal in which she was dragged into a garage by three men in broad daylight.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon as the teenager was walking along the Woodside Road area of the Northern Irish town. According to police reports, the men forcibly pulled the girl into a garage before she managed to break free and escape.
Traumatic Daylight Attack
Local authorities have described the incident as "deeply concerning" and have launched a full investigation. Detective Inspector McCallum stated: "This was a traumatic experience for a young girl simply going about her day. We're following several lines of enquiry and would urge anyone with information to come forward."
Community Shockwaves
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Ballymena community, with parents expressing concern about child safety in the area. Local councillor Maureen Morrow commented: "This is every parent's worst nightmare. We need reassurances about public safety and visible police patrols."
Safety Advice for Young People
Police have issued safety advice for young people in the area:
- Always tell someone your route and expected arrival time
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas when possible
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Carry a charged mobile phone at all times
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1234 of 25/06/2024.
