There have been reports of men meeting in the grounds of Malone House to have sex in the bushes
Police have said they will be increasing patrols around the park at Malone House following reports of the area being used as a meeting spot for men to have sex in bushes.
Local residents and dog walkers who use Barnett Demesne at Malone House in South Belfast have raised concerns over what they say has been an ongoing and disturbing problem of men meeting up in the area to have sex in bushes during the daytime.
Belfast Live have spoke to a number of residents who have said something needs to be done urgently to deal with the issue, as they fear it is “only a matter of time” before a child witnesses the indecent behaviour.
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One local resident says they made a report to police after “seeing a completely naked man perform a sex act” while another clothed man looked on at the rear of Malone House, on Thursday, May 22, just after 11am.
They reported the issue to the police, however they have said they have closed their investigation due to a lack of evidence.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report on Thursday, 22nd May of indecent behaviour in the Barnett Demesne area of south Belfast at approximately 12.10pm.
“A number of enquiries were conducted – police also liaised with the local council as part of the investigation.
“Due to insufficient evidence, however, the matter has now been closed. If police receive further reports or additional information, this can be reviewed.
“Please call 101, quoting reference number 696 22/05/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”
Another resident told Belfast Live they have seen men leaving the bushes close to the boundary with The Dub playing fields “pulling up their zippers” and later found the area covered in condom wrappers and wet wipes.
They said: “I would use the park quite regularly to walk my dog and have been shocked by some of the disgusting things I have seen taking place in the middle of the day.
“I have seen pairs of men coming out of the bushes pulling up their zippers and you can see them quite clearly when you are walking past as they are only 10 metres or so from the path. I have had friends who have seen the very same thing and it is disgusting that people would meet in a public park to do something like this instead of going somewhere private.
“I have been out with my teenage children walking the dog and they have asked me what the men are doing in the bushes and I have been so embarrassed. I saw a married man that I know from my child’s school leaving the bush once with another man which really shocked me.
“I mentioned it to one of the park wardens recently and when we went over to the bush I was appalled to see about 50 condom wrappers and used tissues everywhere.
“I don’t care what people want to do in their private lives and even if they were doing this in the middle of the night it wouldn’t be as bad, but to meet here during the day when you know there could be children around is disgusting and the people involved need to stop what they are doing.”
Belfast City Council has said that it has received one report of the issue, and alongside police, will be increasing patrols in the area.
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “We have received one report in relation to this suspected activity.
“Our park wardens do patrol our council-owned parks regularly and we have increased patrols in this area as a precautionary measure.
“Any concerns regarding this type of activity should also be reported directly to the PSNI.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “This recent report was taken into account by our Neighbourhood Team who regularly patrol the area – and is something that we are aware of going forward. Local residents and park users should see an increased police presence in the area.”
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