A man in his 40s was arrested after a rucksack containing concerning items was found in Coleraine, sparking safety fears.
People worried about women’s safety there after someone found a rucksack with disturbing things. Inside were a hammer, mask, cable ties, clothes, condoms, and a sex toy. A woman discovered it in the Co Derry town. A public meeting addressed these worries.
The police spokesperson said the man is from the area. He was arrested in Portstewart, not Coleraine. A police superintendent clarified that they don’t connect this arrest to recent suspicious activity. This helps reassure the wider community.
The investigation is ongoing. Police worked hard using CCTV, forensic checks, and talking to many people. The man is now in custody, arrested for domestic abuse offenses, and police are helping the victim involved.
Police take all reports seriously and want to make areas safe. Their focus is early intervention, pursuing perpetrators and disrupting harmful actions. The aim is to safeguard women and girls. The police have measures to deter those causing harm and patrol areas where women feel unsafe.
Individuals with concerns should contact the police by speaking to officers, calling 101, or making a report online.