25/08/2005

Police attacked in overnight disturbances

Police have again come under attack in north Belfast following disturbances on Wednesday.

Up to 30 youths threw paint, golf balls and petrol bombs at officers in the Brompton and Cranbrook areas.

Rival gangs of youths also clashed in the Twaddle and Ardoyne areas of the city but there were no reports of any injuries.

The home of a couple in their 70s was also targeted by petrol bombers in nearby Alliance Avenue.

Security Minister Shaun Woodward described the violence in North Belfast as outrageous and said that everything is being done to bring it to an end.

“The police take a very robust line on this and the violence has seen a very robust response from the security forces and the Government," the Minister said. “The police are doing their very best and arrests are being made. But there also has to be a response from the community as well as the police - it requires all of us to be involved.

“We totally condemn this activity, it’s absolutely outrageous and we will do everything to bring this violence to an end.”

Meanwhile, in Ballymoney a device was thrown at a house in Castle Park a around 10.30pm.

The property suffered smoke damage throughout however no one was inside the property at the time.

Police say they are treating theincident as sectarian and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB/SP)

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