Menu
21/06/2001
CALLS FOR CALM OVER NORTH BELFAST FLASHPOINT
DESPITE appeals for calm, violence has continued to erupt in the Catholic/Protestant interface area of Ardoyne in North Belfast.
The situation worsened on Thursday afternoon with an explosion on Alliance Avenue. A pipe bomb was thrown at a house adjacent to the peace line and a child playing nearby with friends was thrown against a fence by the impact of the blast. It is understood there was some damage to the house. One resident said it was amazing that no one was killed.
During follow up searches in the surrounding area police discovered three suspect devices, but came under attack from stone-throwing youths.
Protestant families were reported to be leaving the Alliance Avenue area.
Although crowds had dispersed in the late afternoon police continued to come under attack from bricks thrown over the peaceline separating the two communities. This event follows a week of sectarian violence in the Ardoyne area, which took on serious undertones on Wednesday night with 39 RUC officers being injured - five of which had to receive hospital treatment.
Nationalist community leaders are meeting to decide what action to take following a standoff outside the Catholic Holy Cross primary school on Thursday morning.
Trouble first broke out when children and their parents were prevented from leaving the school by stone throwing youths on Tuesday.
The school was closed the following day as many parents kept children away fearing for their safety.
The Education Minister Martin McGuinness said he was deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in the vicinity of Holy Cross Primary School. He said: “All children have a right to an education, free from danger, threats and intimidation.”
Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy said: “Things are very tense at the moment, that is very clear. But this situation has been difficult for a long time and it isn’t going to get easier overnight.
“I would condemn outright any of those individuals who got involved in those disturbances, from which ever community they come. That sort of violence is completely unacceptable and is unjustified.”
Secretary of State Dr John Reid said: “The sight of thugs throwing petrol bombs and bricks at police will be sickening to all decent people I northern Ireland. This sort of violence promotes no cause, it destroys the communities and drags down the reputation of Northern Ireland across the world.” (AMcE)
The situation worsened on Thursday afternoon with an explosion on Alliance Avenue. A pipe bomb was thrown at a house adjacent to the peace line and a child playing nearby with friends was thrown against a fence by the impact of the blast. It is understood there was some damage to the house. One resident said it was amazing that no one was killed.
During follow up searches in the surrounding area police discovered three suspect devices, but came under attack from stone-throwing youths.
Protestant families were reported to be leaving the Alliance Avenue area.
Although crowds had dispersed in the late afternoon police continued to come under attack from bricks thrown over the peaceline separating the two communities. This event follows a week of sectarian violence in the Ardoyne area, which took on serious undertones on Wednesday night with 39 RUC officers being injured - five of which had to receive hospital treatment.
Nationalist community leaders are meeting to decide what action to take following a standoff outside the Catholic Holy Cross primary school on Thursday morning.
Trouble first broke out when children and their parents were prevented from leaving the school by stone throwing youths on Tuesday.
The school was closed the following day as many parents kept children away fearing for their safety.
The Education Minister Martin McGuinness said he was deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in the vicinity of Holy Cross Primary School. He said: “All children have a right to an education, free from danger, threats and intimidation.”
Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy said: “Things are very tense at the moment, that is very clear. But this situation has been difficult for a long time and it isn’t going to get easier overnight.
“I would condemn outright any of those individuals who got involved in those disturbances, from which ever community they come. That sort of violence is completely unacceptable and is unjustified.”
Secretary of State Dr John Reid said: “The sight of thugs throwing petrol bombs and bricks at police will be sickening to all decent people I northern Ireland. This sort of violence promotes no cause, it destroys the communities and drags down the reputation of Northern Ireland across the world.” (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
21 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Mike Nesbitt Pays Tribute To Ken Reid Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to Ken Reid, the veteran journalist who has passed away after a long period of ill health. The Minister said: "I want to first and foremost express my deepest condolences to Ken’s wife Liz, his children and grandchildren and the whole family circle.
Other News In Brief
Mike Nesbitt Pays Tribute To Ken Reid Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to Ken Reid, the veteran journalist who has passed away after a long period of ill health. The Minister said: "I want to first and foremost express my deepest condolences to Ken’s wife Liz, his children and grandchildren and the whole family circle.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
