UP: The group in Gorica did not try to start a fire, they did not know that the park was closed to visitors

The Police Directorate has issued a statement regarding a report by members of the Protection and Rescue Service that masked individuals were allegedly seen yesterday in the Gorica Forest Park in Podgorica, allegedly planning to set a fire.

They say that it has not been determined that the group attempted to set the fire, but rather that they were individuals who were not informed that Gorica was closed to visitors, and that there were foreign citizens among them.

"In order to fully inform citizens about the events that have attracted special public attention and require information from the competent authorities, we inform you that activities have been undertaken in accordance with information published in several media outlets as well as upon a report by members of the Protection and Rescue Service that masked persons were spotted in the Gorica Forest Park, who they pointed out and, as later reported by the media, were thwarted in their attempt to set fire to the forest. Police officers from the Podgorica Security Department immediately and without delay acted upon the aforementioned report and information," the statement reads.

They also indicate that members of the Police Directorate were deployed to one of the locations and were located near the scene.

"The measures and actions taken, as well as the information collected from several persons, determined that the persons indicated were not found at the scene, and a further inspection of the scene determined that no generally dangerous act of direct arson was taken, nor was it determined that these persons had taken any planning action related to arson, but rather that these persons were not informed that they could not enter Gorica Hill, among whom were foreign citizens who were not aware of the ban and restriction of movement in a certain area and location," it added.

The Police Directorate emphasizes the importance of timely and proactive reaction and action by local government services and the detection of persons who find themselves in such complex situations in crisis areas and areas where a ban on movement and residence is in force.

"Police officers will continue with activities of a preventive and repressive nature in cooperation with local services, while maintaining the highest level of operational attention with a focus on protecting the personal and property safety of citizens," the statement reads.