The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has raised serious concerns over 'brick bandits' in north Belfast.

The NIHE said their actions are causing great difficulties and potential danger to local residents in the Fortwilliam Parade area.

As part of a regeneration initiative, the NIHE is currently demolishing terraced housing in Fortwilliam Parade to make way for a new social housing development. A small number of residents are still living in the street during demolition.

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Demolition is taking place over two phases, with phase one recently started. In a statement the NIHE said: "Work was proceeding as planned until our local office was made aware of individuals trespassing onto the site to steal bricks. This activity is endangering the structures of the remaining occupied homes as it is interfering with chimney stacks and load-bearing walls.

"We have been able to determine that those involved come from outside the area, and it is apparent that they have no regard for the safety and welfare of residents who are suffering because of their unacceptable actions. Aside from the issue of theft, we are very concerned from a health and safety point of view, as there is a potential for the remaining houses to collapse due to the load-bearing walls being tampered with."

(CD/MH)