Attack ‘a senseless act of vandalism’

Elaine McAnulty, owner of The Retreat Beauty Salon, has been left picking up the pieces following a weekend which saw three properties in Banbridge targeted by vandals.

CCTV footage was captured in the early hours of Sunday morning, showing a gang of youths kicking a football towards The Retreat, as well as Magic Kebab on Newry Street and The Little Petal flower shop on Linenhall Street.

The group are believed to be responsible for destroying signage at the well-known beauticians and smashing a window at the local takeaway.

Police are reviewing the footage in a bid to find those responsible. The force has also issued an appeal for witnesses to the incidents, which are believed to have taken place at approximately 1.45am.

Over 30 years in business, Elaine McAnulty said she has never experienced such a senseless act.

"I have been quoted almost £1,000 for the repair work. This unexpected bill comes at a time of rising costs especially for small businesses like mine.”

"Sometimes people don’t realise just how challenging the financial climate is.

"I have no choice other than to get on with business as usual, for the sake of my staff and clients.

"While this incident could have been much worse, a massive bill isn’t something I was budgeting for.”

While praising the quick actions of police in the wake of the attack, Elaine has also expressed concerns that incidents like this could happen again in the future.

She said: "We are just trying to make an honest living. An attack like this comes not only at a huge financial cost, but it raises safety concerns.

"I was lucky to obtain CCTV footage, which I have no doubt will lead police straight to this gang, but it raises the question, do we have enough cameras in our town?”

Elaine has received an outpouring of support on social media and hopes to begin repair works in the immediate future.

When asked what message she would send to those responsible, she replied: “I hope they never own a business and somebody does this to them.

"It is unfair and comes with no explanation.”