Threat needs to be “withdrawn immediately’

A threat against residents of a north Belfast community where a number of homes have been targeted in sectarian-motivated attacks needs to be withdrawn, the area’s MP has said.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said there is a “sinister and organised element” to the sectarian attacks on homes in the Annalee Street and Alloa Street areas.

He was speaking after a multi-agency meeting on Tuesday as efforts continue to ensure the safety of a number of families.

“This threat needs to be withdrawn immediately,” Finucane said.

The north Belfast MP said some of the families still feel very vulnerable.

“Everyone in the room was moved by the stories we were hearing, the trauma that has been inflicted on them since the disgraceful attack last week,” Finucane said.

He added: “Whoever is behind this needs to explain why they are targeting such vulnerable people. They need to withdraw this threat immediately they need to allow these families to live in peace and security.”

Finucane said a “robust” police response is needed to both investigate and bring those behind the threat to justice.

Independent councillor Paul McCusker said it had been a very difficult meeting for the residents , many of who have not slept since the attack.

“The families who have been there since Wednesday are not able to sleep, are not eating, it is having a massive negative impact on their lives,” he said.

McCusker said many residents had concerns around the police response.

He said many residents felt “communication hasn’t been great between police and residents” adding there was a feeling police had not been “supportive enough”.

“Residents want to know why they were targeted. We know it is sectarian related, police have confirmed that – certain areas are controlled by paramilitaries and they want to keep control, they don’t want Catholics living in those areas.”

Moving forward, he added, it is about the safety of the families.

He said those who have chosen to leave, can not “fall back into a housing system that is broken”.

“It is about providing adequate safe accommodation for these families, to move on… this needs to happen this week,” McCusker said.

PSNI Ch Insp Mullan said the police investigation is ongoing.

“We are focused on keeping the residents safe, and are providing enhanced patrols in the area as we work towards a resolution in conjunction with our community partners.”

The senior officer added: “As we have stated repeatedly, hate crime has no place in our society. It is absolutely unacceptable that anyone should be subject to criminality because of who they are.