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West Belfast: crescono le tensioni dopo gli attacchi contro enclave unionista di Suffolk

Tensions high after attacks on enclave

Suffolk, enclave unionista a West Belfast

The mood in a tiny unionist enclave in west Belfast has been described as “very, very tense” following a three-week “campaign of intimidation”.

One June 1, a bandsman was beaten up following a parade in Suffolk and on June 19 the home of a young single parent with a one-week-old baby was petrol-bombed on Kells Avenue.

Then, on June 26, the community bonfire was destroyed in an early morning attack.

Ulster Unionist representative Chris McGimpsey said more than 20 cars had also been attacked.

Colin Halliday, chairman of the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) in south Belfast, said the situation is “very volatile”, claiming it could flare up again at any moment.

“There have been ongoing attacks, a lot of sectarian agitation towards the people of Suffolk, people have been beaten up, homes petrol bombed and bonfires destroyed,” he said.

“We have been in touch with the PSNI and groups across the road.

“We felt that Short Strand is getting plenty of coverage in every paper, every television station – nothing has been said about Suffolk.”

There are no elected unionist representatives for that area so Mr Halliday said he sent letters to all the Sinn Fein councillors and MLAs. But he said none had responded.

Mr Halliday also said local people felt that attacks against Protestants were not taken seriously by police after two youths apprehended on suspicion of the attack on the bonfire were not charged.

“We are trying to tell our youngsters that if you get involved in anti-social behaviour it has a knock-on impact on your family through these new welfare reforms,” he said.

“Yet here are two people being apprehended and released without charge or even caution. It is sending a bad message. There doesn’t seem to be any consequences for attacking Protestants.

“The mood at the minute is very, very tense. I have been up there every day this week, I have been in touch with the PSNI. We are working very hard to calm community tension. It’s being done also on the republican side.

“But the situation is very volatile, it could flare up at any time. All it’ll take is someone to be beaten again.”

A PSNI spokesman said police in west Belfast have met with local community representatives to discuss concerns and give briefings about recent events.

Area commander for west Belfast, Chief Inspector Mike White, said: “Police have increased patrols in the neighbourhood and continue to provide ongoing attention to specific areas.

“Letters have also been sent to local communities advising of the consequences that anti-social behaviour has on the community as a whole, as well as the effects it can have on those who indulge in this kind of behaviour.

“Local police continue to value community engagement in this area which has resulted in delivering significant benefits in terms of creating a safer environment for residents, and are keen to ensure that progress made in this respect is maintained.

“Police would appeal to parents to make sure that they know where their child is.

“Before they leave the house, ask them where they are going and who they are meeting.

“The last thing any parent wants is for their child to be brought home by the police because of wrongdoing.”

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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