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Residents 'on edge' following sectarian attack

BBC McCusker is looking directly at the camera. He has brown/grey facial hair and thin grey hair. He is wearing a navy hoodie.BBC
Paul McCusker says families are feeling 'on edge' following the attack

Residents in a north Belfast community are feeling frustrated and "on edge" after a number of homes were damaged in a sectarian-motivated attack, according to a local councillor.

It comes after a group of masked individuals were reported to have thrown masonry at the properties, in the Annalee Street and Alloa Street areas, on Wednesday.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they have stepped up patrols in the area.

On Friday, a number of residents said they planned to leave their homes.

Following a meeting between the affected families, police and community representatives on Sunday, independent councillor Paul McCusker said most families want to stay, but "no one can guarantee their safety".

Close shot of two windows, both of which have plywood covering damaged glass, on the upper level of a red brick house
A group of masked individuals are believed to have thrown masonry at a number of properties, police say

McCusker said there was a lack of political leadership in the area.

"There is a lot of frustration felt over the weekend, police said they would commit to a static police presence over the weekend but families felt that wasn't the case."

The police attending a meeting on Sunday was very important, he added.

"For the remaining families, protection is key to keep them safe so there is no further risk to their lives and moving forward we need to look at a long term plan," he said.

Pacemaker Close shot of lower level of a red brick house, and a smashed lower level window, covered in plywoodPacemaker
Clanmil Housing Association said it condemned the incident

McCusker explained that many of the families living in the area have been homeless for many years.

"They have been through a system that has been quite difficult for them and to go back into that system again and be treated this way is causing trauma to the families," he said.

McCusker added: "It is 2025 this should not be happening and the families should be getting reassurance politically."

PSNI Supt Allister Hagan said: "We are treating what happened in these residential areas not just as criminal damage, but sectarian-motivated hate crime - which is totally unacceptable.

"This will not be tolerated. We will continue to work closely with our partners, housing provider, community representatives and local residents in relation to these issues."

Police have been "regularly patrolling these areas at varying intervals to deter crime and provide reassurance to the community," Supt Hagan added.

"In addition, we have been meeting with residents regularly to listen to their concerns and offer practical support."