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16/09/2008
Weekend 'Sectarian' Attacks On Two Derry Boys
A young boy has been left in fear after a gang attack in Londonderry at the weekend.
Twelve-year-old Caelin McFarland is now too afraid to go back into the city centre, after he was set upon by around 12 males on Saturday afternoon, according to his mother.
Una McFarland said it was the first time her son had gone into Derry city centre alone.
The attack, which is believed to be sectarian, happened on London Street.
"They grabbed him by the necklace and they punched him about the head and neck and he fell to the ground," his mother told the BBC.
"He got up pretty quickly because he knew to stay on his feet and then he tried to walk away.
"They kept saying to him, 'Who do you support, who do you support'?"
"I know I wouldn't like him going up the town now," said Ms McFarland.
A 14-year-old boy was involved in a separate attack that day in the city.
He was assaulted by a gang of youths. Police have now arrest two 15-year-olds in connection with the incident.
The PSNI have said both attacks may have been sectarian.
DUP Assemblyman William Hay has described sectarianism as "a cancer in society".
"These attacks are ongoing and it could take a generation before we get this cancer out of our society, and this is the tragedy.
"There are people out there who still believe that the only way they can deal with some of the issues they feel so strongly about is to attack another community," he said.
(PR)
Twelve-year-old Caelin McFarland is now too afraid to go back into the city centre, after he was set upon by around 12 males on Saturday afternoon, according to his mother.
Una McFarland said it was the first time her son had gone into Derry city centre alone.
The attack, which is believed to be sectarian, happened on London Street.
"They grabbed him by the necklace and they punched him about the head and neck and he fell to the ground," his mother told the BBC.
"He got up pretty quickly because he knew to stay on his feet and then he tried to walk away.
"They kept saying to him, 'Who do you support, who do you support'?"
"I know I wouldn't like him going up the town now," said Ms McFarland.
A 14-year-old boy was involved in a separate attack that day in the city.
He was assaulted by a gang of youths. Police have now arrest two 15-year-olds in connection with the incident.
The PSNI have said both attacks may have been sectarian.
DUP Assemblyman William Hay has described sectarianism as "a cancer in society".
"These attacks are ongoing and it could take a generation before we get this cancer out of our society, and this is the tragedy.
"There are people out there who still believe that the only way they can deal with some of the issues they feel so strongly about is to attack another community," he said.
(PR)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
