‘Horrendous’ attacks on Catholic homes dubbed ‘sectarianism’

Attacks on three homes in Carrickfergus attributed to loyalists aiming to intimidate Catholic residents have been dubbed “horrendous” and sectarian.

Windows of houses were smashed in three areas in Woodburn estate, with the PSNI saying a man wearing a balaclava was seen running away after two of the incidents.

Responding to reports, SDLP Cllr Eugene Reid of the Mid and East Antrim Borough condemned the attacks saying: “I think it’s horrendous that almost on the anniversary, 23 years after we signed the Good Friday Agreement, this sort of thing is going on. It’s appalling to think this level of sectarianism still exists. I would condemn it wholeheartedly.

“Like all of these things, the onus is on us all as public representatives to try and engage with all people at all levels.”

According to a Belfast newspaper security sources blamed the UVF for the intimidation, claiming the group had drawn up a list of Catholics or people living with Catholics in the area.

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson told the Irish News that last week’s attacks were “absolutely abhorrent” and urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI.

“This is nothing more than raw, naked sectarianism by paramilitary criminals,” he said.

“Effectively, people are being targeted on the basis of perceptions of their backgrounds. That this should lead to such attacks is absolutely abhorrent.

“There should be absolutely no place for this kind of disturbing behaviour in Carrick or anywhere else for that matter, and I would urge anyone with information on who is behind this to go to the police.”