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Some families 'feel unsafe' after group puts up flags on lampposts
Apr 20, 2025
Some families in a new mixed-use social housing development in Lisburn have said they feel intimidated after a group of men placed flags on lampposts.
The group was wearing dark clothes and hoods and was seen erecting the Union flags on Saturday evening in Altona Drive and Altona Gardens.
One man said he was told if anyone removed the flags, "their house will be burnt".
Police said they would engage with "local community representatives and partner agencies around any complaints about flags".
It comes just weeks after some residents were sent leaflets claiming to be from a loyalist paramilitary organisation.
Video footage, seen by BBC News NI, appears to show four men with a ladder erecting flags in the area.
Conor Batchelor said he confronted the men about the displays on lampposts.
"They said anyone that touches the flags, their house will be burnt. So now we're living in fear," he said.
The 30-year-old, whose former partner and their two children live in the area, said they want to live in "peace and harmony with other religions, other cultures".
He said it should be a "friendly and welcoming" environment.
"We're just really disheartened with it all," he added.
Mr Batchelor described the new housing development as a "mixed area".
He said some people may be supportive of the flags, but they should be placed "on their property".
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