Long – ‘attack on minibus was an attack on community relations’

Alliance East Belfast MLA Naomi Long has condemned the attack on a youth group’s minibus on Wednesday night. The youth group from the Short Strand were playing a football match in Victoria Park in the East of the city while their minibus was attacked. None of the children aged 12-14, nor their leaders were injured in the attack.

Naomi Long MLA said: This is an extremely regrettable episode that needs to be condemned. It is unacceptable for young people to be subjected to this type of trauma when they are making use of public facilities that belong to everyone in the community.

“There has been much good work done between people in Sydenham and Short Strand to improve community relations with events such as the George Best Community Cup that drew support from people from different backgrounds.

“The individuals who engaged in this violence last night have not just damaged a minibus, serious though that may be, but they have also tried to damage community relations in East Belfast. They must not be allowed to undo all of the good work that has been done in the area.

“I would urge anybody with any information about this attack to contact the police.”

ENDS