Understand
Belfast play park named after Shankill bombing victim closed following vandalism
Overview
The Michelle Baird Memorial Park in Glencairn, Belfast, has been closed due to extensive damage caused by young people using e-bikes and setting off fireworks. The park is named after seven-year-old Michelle Baird, the youngest victim of the 1993 Shankill bombing, who died alongside her parents. Community representatives and local politicians have condemned the anti-social behaviour and lack of respect for the memorial site, while the police and council are addressing the damage and investigating illegal fireworks issues.
Key points
- The Michelle Baird Memorial Park in Glencairn has been closed due to ongoing vandalism involving e-bikes and fireworks.
- The park is dedicated to seven-year-old Michelle Baird, who was killed alongside her parents in the 1993 IRA Shankill bombing.
- Jennifer Taylor, chair of the Glencairn Community Project, stated that thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused, leaving the local area without a key children's resource.
- North Belfast MLA Brian Kingston described the vandalism as disgraceful and an insult to the memory of Michelle Baird.
- The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Belfast City Council are aware of the damage and are monitoring anti-social behaviour and the illegal sale of fireworks in the area.