Police treat north Belfast attack as sectarian
A young single Catholic mother whose home in North Belfast has been attacked, says she has been intimidated out because of her religion.
Police received received reports around 3.55pm on Monday that windows at a property in the Alliance Close area of north Belfast had been smashed sometime between midnight on the 28th February and 2.30pm on March 2nd.
Police have confirmed they are treating it as sectarian saying those involved "stepped out of the shadows in the hours of darkness" to carry out the crime.
It is believed that the woman, and her four young children, moved into the property in November.
The family weren't at home at the time of the attack.
It's not the first time the property has been attacked, with police confirming this is the third incident in connection with this property.
In December last year, the householder received a threatening letter and on 21st January this year, stones were thrown at the property.
Chief Inspector Kelly Moore said police are determined to bring those responsible before the courts: “While police have regularly patrolled the area and have been liaising with the householder, local partner agencies and representatives, those involved in these incidents have most likely stepped out of the shadows in the hours of darkness for a few short moments to carry out these crimes.
“These incidents are absolutely unacceptable. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home. The people carrying out these acts should be ashamed of their actions. We are investigating and are determined to identify those responsible and put them before the courts, but we need help from the local community."
The attack has been met with widespread condemnation.
SDLP Oldpark councillor Paul McCusker called on unionist politicians in North Belfast to show leadership and condemn the sectarian threat: “I was disgusted that a mother and four children had to leave their home in North Belfast due to receiving a warning saying “Taigs Out” in the post and her home has been attacked. The local community is rightly angry about this.”
“Unionist politicians from North Belfast must show leadership within their communities and strongly condemn this despicable act. I am calling on the DUP and others to make it clear they do not support this action and that it will not be tolerated. Their failure to do so thus far has been deafening.”
North Belfast DUP MLA William Humphrey said: "I am appalled to hear that there has been an attack on a house in Alliance Close which we condemn without equivocation.
“This clearly will have been deeply upsetting for the residents concerned and for neighbours in this residential area close to a community interface.
"We would appeal for any information regarding this criminal act to be passed on to the PSNI to assist with their investigation."
Our correspondent Sharon O'Neill has this report: