7 August 1997 Edition

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Derry attacks continue

A nationalist family in the Clooney Estate in Derry were fortunate to escape serious injury when loyalist petrolbombers attacked their house on Saturday 2 August.

The attack came early in the morning, when one bomb was deliberately thrown at a children's bedroom. The children's mother, Madeline Smyth, is certain only the quick actions of herself and her husband saved their two year old son David from being burnt.

Two sons were rescued before she jumped over the flames to reach David while her husband smothered the fire. Sinn Féin Councillor Lynn Fleming is certain the latest attack is part of the ongoing sectarian campaign against Catholics in Herron Way. ``It is a concerted campaign and it is only good fortune there were no fatalities. Clearly there is an organised campaign of sectarian violence being waged by loyalists against Catholics living in the Waterside.''

Madeline Smyth confirmed her house has been watched over a number of months and that they had feared an attack. The family had been targetted previously, despite having no political affiliations. ``We were picked simply because we are Catholics,'' she said.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland