Kelly calls for community to unite against sectarian attacks

Condemning recent sectarian attacks in North Belfast, Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly called on the community to unite against interface violence.
Appealing directly to unionism to condemn the attacks the republican representative said strong leadership on the ground was the only way forward.
“There are serious concerns about the increase in sectarian attacks in the area over the weekend and I want to express my disgust at what happened,” said Gerry.
“One man is lucky to be alive while two teenagers were attacked and various other incidents occurred.
“North Belfast's MLAs have united in their condemnation of interface violence and I would call on the community to unite against it too.”
In one of the incidents a North Belfast father-of-three was stabbed in the head and neck with a spear in Duncairn Gardens.
The stabbing followed a weekend of sectarian attacks in North Belfast. Two teenagers were attacked by a gang from the Tiger’s Bay area on Saturday night near Yorkgate, while several nationalist residents’ cars in Henderson Avenue were damaged by acid.
Sinn Féin Councillor Tierna Cunningham said she would be meeting with residents of Henderson Avenue to offer her support and appealed for no retaliation over the spate of attacks.
A man walking his dog along the Whitewell Road was attacked by a carload of men close to the entrance of the White City estate. Two cars in Mountainview Park were also damaged on after missiles rained over the peacewall.
Local republican and North Belfast interface worker Gerry O’Reilly said he was disappointed to learn of the recent attacks considering the amount of hard work put into reducing anti-social behaviour at flashpoints.
“A lot of progress has been made by individuals and groups working at the interface, including residents’ groups, since last summer," he said.
“I think a good example of people working together came through with the recent quiet Tour of the North.
“Some of the positive steps which were taken influenced that outcome, therefore it is very disappointing that here we have individuals who insist on attacking people on a purely sectarian basis.
“Anyone with information should be contacting the PSNI to ensure the people involved will go face the courts for their actions. In the meantime, talks and dialogue between the two communities will continue.”