Children attacked

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has voiced his concern after another sectarian attack took place in Ballymena, this time in the People’s Park in the town.
“The incident occurred when three schoolgirls, one as young as twelve, were approached by a group of young women who asked them if they were Catholics. When the children refused to answer they were called ‘Fenian b******s’ and ‘Catholic scum’. The group then assaulted one of the girls before chasing them out of the park’, McKay said.
“I have been speaking to one of the parents involved who has said that the children have been extremely traumatised by the ordeal. The level of sectarianism which exists in this area, as demonstrated by the amount of sectarian attacks in recent times here, remains a major concern for us.
“We need to see strong leadership from all sections of society in this area if attacks like these are to be brought to an end”, he said.

Creggan attacks condemned

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has condemned the early morning attacks on a man and woman in High Park in the Creggan. It has been reported that the couple were abducted from their home in Mullingar before being shot and dumped in the Derry housing estate. Anderson said that anyone with information should bring it forward.
“These brutal attacks have left a man and woman seriously injured. Such attacks have no place in our society and I condemn them without reservation. People have a right to safety within their own home.
“The local community is shocked at the ferocity of these attacks.
“While it is unclear what is behind the attack I would encourage anyone with information about these attacks to bring it forward to the PSNI”, Anderson said.