3 February 2000 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

North Antrim attacks

Catholic-owned shops have become the target of sectarian attacks for the second time in a month in the mainly Protestant village of Broughshane, near Ballymena.

At Christmas, a flammable liquid was used in an attempt to destroy a Catholic-owned sweet shop. A family living in a flat close by had a lucky escape on that occasion. The latest attack occurred at a video shop on the village's Main Street.

The front door of the shop was forced open and a petrol bomb was thrown into the hallway. The fire burnt out but the premises were badly damaged by the smoke.

These attacks are being seen as part of an orchestrated campaign by loyalists in the North Antrim area to prevent Catholics from owning businesses or living in the mainly Protestant region.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland