Unionist paramilitaries stir up sectarian tensions in Derry

Barney O'Hagan

In a week which saw the UDA and UVF in Derry issue a joint threat against nationalists, Sinn Féin is accusing unionist paramilitaries of "targeting nationalists in an attempt to deflect attention away from their own internal feuding".

Just days after the threat was issued, loyalist gangs attacked a number of Catholic homes and a taxi driver and his young daughter escaped serious injury.

Loyalist gangs operating from the loyalist Fountain Estate attacked homes in Bishop Street at around 8.50pm on Saturday night 9 October. Up to 12 loyalist youths were involved. Later that night, at about 10.30pm, a 20-strong loyalist gang threw bottles at houses in the Bogside area.

According to Sinn Féin's Barney O'Hagan, the unionist paramilitaries are trying to heighten sectarian tensions in the city in an attempt to provoke nationalist youths to attack the Fountain Estate. He also accused the PSNI of "allowing this to happen".

"After attacking houses in Bishop Street a group of around 20 loyalists came out of the Fountain Estate and launched attacks on homes in St Columb's Wells in full view of the British Army spy post on Derry Walls.

"When local people responded to this sectarian incursion, members of the PSNI focused their attention on them while the loyalists escaped", said an angry O'Hagan.

O'Hagan is convinced unionist paramilitaries are trying to provoke a response from nationalist youths to deflect attentions away from internal problems within unionist paramilitary gangs.

"I am urging local young people not to give unionist paramilitaries the response they crave".

In a separate incident, a father and his eight-year-old daughter escaped serious injury after they were attacked as they drove through the Waterside area of Derry on Sunday 10 October. A group of around 15 loyalist youths, armed with sticks and batons, threw stones at the car as it travelled through loyalist Irish Street. A window in the vehicle was shattered by one missile.

Sinn Féin Councillor Lynn Fleming has called on all nationalists to review their safety after a joint statement from the UDA and UVF warned of more attacks on the nationalist community.