Bomb Attack Targets Community Worker

A cross-community worker has insisted that she does not know why she was targeted in an overnight pipe bomb attack.

Mary Kelly was speaking after the second attack on her home this year and has asked for those behind the attack to come forward.

The pipe bomb exploded outside her house in north Belfast's Glandore Avenue at about 1am this morning.

Police officers discovered the device, which had only partially exploded on the windowsill, noting that the window and sill were badly damaged.

Both Stormont Junior Ministers have hit out at those behind the attack. Gerry Kelly said: "I strongly condemn those cowardly people who left this pipebomb outside Mary Kelly's home.

"It is always distressing when a family home is attacked but it is even more poignant when it is the home of an individual who has worked tirelessly for her community.

"Mary has worked for the past 30 years, to improve the life experience of her neighbours in the Glandore and Skegoneill area of North Belfast.

"We send her our support and deep regret that she has had to, yet again, endure such an ordeal," he said.

Meanwhile, Junior Minister Robin Newton commented: "Those responsible have not only put Mary and her family's life in danger but also her neighbours and the community she serves so well.

"Unlike Mary, who has a vision for a shared and better future for everyone, these people have nothing to offer us. Both Junior Minister Kelly and I would like to offer our heartfelt support to her and call on anyone who has any information about this attack to contact the PSNI."

Menawhile, in an unrelated attack, two cars have been set alight in a normally quiet suburb of Newtownabbey.

Police are treating the incident as double racially-motivated hate crimes after the vehicles were set ablaze in the Fernagh Avenue area of Whiteabbey at about 1.30am on Tuesday.

Both cars were extensively damaged while scorch damage was caused to the front of a house.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incidents to get in touch.

(BMcC/GK)