While this event was particularly shocking, many of us who work in the Lanyon Place area might not be completely surprised about the events leading up to it, for this area is anything but safe after dark. There have been many incidents over the years involving assaults on pedestrians by local youths in the nearby 'Markets' estate. I myself was attacked and beaten by a gang as I walked to the train station after leaving work late one evening. No interest was shown by the police when this was reported and there has never been any follow up.

There are countless incidents of attacks on cars and bike riders leaving the multi-storey car park where this most recent assault took place. This is the supposed central business district of Belfast with a major hotel and conference centre on site. Someone high up needs to start getting serious about security in Lanyon Place. If this involves additional security cameras or introduction of 'mosquito' type anti-youth devices, then the financial outlay will be well justified by the results.

Let this horrific event be the last. I ask for the powers that be (council, community leaders, police and the management of Lanyon Place) to start taking our safety seriously. I feel it sad we have been reduced to publicly pleading.

Concerned Citizen, Belfast