DUP councillor Trevor Clarke said residents in the Meadowside estate had been subjected to looters rifling through their homes and stealing possessions, as well as copper and lead from the properties.

“Residents from the Meadowside estate were some of the worse affected by the flooding, with reportedly up to 40 homes destroyed, forcing residents to seek refuge with kindly family and friends while ongoing repairs and health and safety assessments are carried out,” Cllr. Clarke said.

He added: “Following this recent turmoil faced by the residents of Meadowvale it has been reported that thugs have been delving through several houses in the estate, stealing residents’ possessions along with their copper piping and lead flashing.”

Stating he was “very shocked” to hear that homes had been broken into, while the residents sought shelter from family members and in temporary accommodation arranged by the NIHE.

“This is a low cowardly act by any standards, not only have these people suffered enough in recent weeks by having their homes basically destroyed, But these thieves who are quite simply the lowest of the low have now inflicted more devastation by breaking into houses on the deserted street and stripping copper piping and lead from the homes which in turn will be sold at a lucrative price,” Cllr. Clarke said.

He added: “To think that this is causing more damage to the houses with further flooding from mains water and it obviously will incur greater repair costs and timescale until the people can move back into their homes.

“Furthermore, although I am sure the thieves were probably not aware of the turmoil caused or probably would not have cared about the additional mayhem for the victims involved, it is evident as anyone committing such crime in the wake of the recent flooding events obviously has no conscience.

“I would like to thank the PSNI for been very obliging in dispatching additional patrols to the estate while the residents are still away from their homes.”

Cllr. Clarke urged anyone who has any information regarding the recent burglaries in the Meadowside estate, to contact Crimestoppers on 0845 600 8000. He added that he could also be contacted in the strictest confidence on 9446 3273.