Police probe claims of man spying on girls at Ballymena swimming pool

by Q Radio News

Police are probing a claim a man used a mirror and camera to spy on girls in swimming pool changing rooms in Ballymena.

A mum said her daughter was so traumatised by the disturbing voyeurism, she is too scared to return to the pool at the Seven Towers Leisure Centre. 

The mother had posted a warning on social media, saying: "To all parents taking their children to Leisure Centre swimming pool be aware.

"My daughter and other girls were very upset about the incident that has happened in the cubicles.

"Some sick person using a mirror with a camera attached to it was looking at them while they were getting changed.

"I'm really furious what has happened, now my daughter is afraid of going back swimming," the Ballymena Guardian reported.

The mother was not named in the story.

Police in Ballymena on Tuesday confirmed they were investigating "an incident reported to have taken place in the changing rooms of the local swimming pool on Monday 4 February".

Inspector Michelle O’Neill said: “As part of our enquiries we will be reviewing CCTV footage. Anyone who was using the facilities between 11am and 12pm and could assist with our enquiries can contact us on 101 quoting reference 1093 04/02/19.”

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim who own the leisure centre said on Tuesday: “Leisure centre staff are working with the PSNI to investigate this incident.

"Leisure staff are committed to protecting children and young people and follow robust safeguarding procedures. Council is a member of Leisure Watch.

"Council wishes to reassure visitors that this is an extremely rare incident and more staff will continue to be deployed to cover changing rooms. We would encourage anyone with any information to contact the PSNI on 101.”