Northern Ireland’s leaders condemn sectarianism after attacks

Northern Ireland’s First and deputy First Ministers have led a call for solidarity following sectarian attacks in north Belfast.

Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly were speaking following the intimidation of some families in a neighbourhood in north Belfast.

Masonry was thrown at a number of properties in Annalee Street and Alloa Street last Wednesday.

Clanmil Housing Association, which operates the housing scheme, said the attacks are a “sectarian-motivated hate crime”, and police have said they have stepped up patrols in the area.

Ms O’Neill said, as political leaders, their duty is to “call out sectarianism”, “say no to sectarianism” and “say no to those people who are involved in intimidation”.

“Trying to run people out of their homes is intolerable, we say to all those involved, they must stop, and I say the full force of the law must be applied to those people involved in intimidating families,” she told reporters during a visit in Co Tyrone on Wednesday.

Ms Little-Pengelly added: “The vast vast majority of people right throughout Northern Ireland are not sectarian, they’re not involved in sectarianism, they’re not involved in threatening or intimidatory behaviour.

“We need to stand politically shoulder by shoulder to make clear that all intimidation, all threats of violence, all violence as a result of sectarianism, racism or whatever that may look like is absolutely wrong.

“That’s a message that we’ve sent very strongly and united from the Executive from the outset and we’ll continue to do so.”

The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations has condemned the attacks as “completely unacceptable”.

Chair Hazel Bell said: “Everyone has the fundamental right to feel safe in their home and local community. These recent attacks on homes and the intimidation of residents are completely unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue, here or in any community across Northern Ireland.

“Housing Associations work hard to ensure that new developments integrate with the wider community, and we will continue to do so.

“When faced with these horrible acts, we must see a united and urgent response — across communities, political representatives and all agencies — to ensure these incidents are not repeated. We cannot allow such mindless violence and intimidation to continue to scar our communities.”