Window smashed by brick on bus from Dublin Airport to Belfast

Passengers on a bus to Belfast from Dublin Airport were left shocked after their bus window was smashed by a brick.

Police in South Belfast are appealing for information and witnesses following the report of criminal damage to the bus just after 8.30pm on Saturday, June 1. Speaking to Belfast Live, Stevie Haughey, who was on the bus at the time, said the incident has potential to tarnish Belfast’s image.

“As the bus approached the Europa slip road off the Westlink, a crowd of young lads were on the road and when the bus approached, they scattered to each side of the slip road,” he added. “Unfortunately, one individual in the group threw a brick at the bus, shattering the exterior window. Thankfully, no injuries occurred.

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“This incident has the potential to significantly tarnish Belfast’s image as a safe and welcoming tourist destination, which could have a detrimental effect on the local economy and the livelihoods of many in the tourism industry. I run the travel website Ireland Before You Die, which promotes tourism to Belfast. This route is a major pathway for tourists visiting the city. Some tourists were on the coach, and they looked shocked. Incidents like these do not give visitors a good and true representation of what Belfast is about.

“Therefore, I believe Translink should ensure the slip road is closed to unauthorised access to prevent similar occurrences in the future.” A PSNI spokesperson said: “It was reported that a group of youths gathered in the area had thrown a stone at the vehicle resulting in a smashed window.

“Enquiries are ongoing and officers would appeal to anyone who was in the Roden Street/Milner Road area at the time the incident took place to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1773 of 01/06/24.” Translink has also condemned the incident, and appealed for anyone with information, to contact them.

A Translink spokesperson added: “An X2 Goldliner coach window was damaged in Belfast on Saturday evening last. We have zero-tolerance towards anti-social behaviour and all incidents are reported to the PSNI.

“A reward scheme pays out up to £1,000 to anyone who witnesses and gives evidence of any incident of vandalism that results in a successful conviction.”

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