Police probing schoolgirl row in Omagh

LOCAL post-primary pupils will take part in a knife crime course after video footage of a vicious fight between two schoolgirls near Omagh’s bus depot has been widely-shared in recent weeks.

The introduction of the programme, which will be led by the PSNI’s Armed Response Unit, has been prompted by circulation of the video that captured the altercation, during which, one of the teenagers involved is holding what appears to be a pair of scissors.

Over the course of the two minutes of shocking footage, pupils from various local schools can be seen videoing the fight on their mobile phones, many laughing and shouting, as the two girls wrestle around the concrete, kicking, slapping and pulling each other’s hair.

The brawl only draws to a close when an adult breaks the pair apart, at which point the footage obtained by the UH also stops. When approached for a response, the school implicated by the uniforms worn by the girls chose not to comment.

However, in a statement released by the PSNI, Omagh Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Johnny Hamill, said, “On March 15, 2024, police received a report of a video circulating on social media showing two schoolgirls fighting in the Omagh area, one of whom appears to be holding a pair of scissors.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

Sergeant Hamill told the UH, “We are working closely with the school involved and have begun an education programme, with our Armed Response Unit colleagues as content advisors, on the dangers of carrying a blade or point in public. This presentation will be offered to all schools in the Omagh area.

“Some of our young people think it is acceptable to carry a knife.

“They may see a knife as a status symbol; something that makes them more acceptable to their peers.

“For others, it is seen as a form of protection, but nothing can protect them from the consequences of carrying or using a knife.

“The fact is that knives are dangerous – people get hurt and lives and communities can be ruined.

“I hope this presentation and the information we provide will help them to make the right choice. If they know that someone has a knife, they should speak to a teacher if they are in school, or tell their parents and contact the police. They could be helping to save a life.”

Sergeant Hamill continued, “Young people need to consider the consequences of their actions.

“Anyone engaging in assault, or found to be carrying a blade of any kind, could find themselves with a criminal record which can severely impact future career, education and travel options.

“I would ask that parents and others with influence support us in educating our young people as to what is and is not acceptable behaviour.

“Tell them that this is an extraordinarily dangerous practice. Explain that if they fight or hurt another person they could find themselves charged with an offence. Remind them that, if a report is received of a person carrying a blade, police have power of entry and search.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach to any activity that may cause harm, particularly to children, and will ensure that anyone found to be engaging in this behaviour is held to account.”