19/07/2022

SDLP Calls For An End To Violence In North Belfast

The SDLP has called for an end to violence at an interface in north Belfast, following an attack on two young boys near Yorkgate on Sunday evening.

A 13-year-old was taken to hospital following an attack in the area earlier this month.

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said: "This is the second attack in this area in a matter of weeks with an apparently sectarian motivation and I'm calling on the young people involved to wise up before someone gets seriously hurt or worse. This is a public area that is used by people from all over our city and nobody has the right to intimidate anyone or make them feel uncomfortable.

"The vast majority of people in this area want to live peacefully alongside their neighbours, we have much more in common than what separates us and when we see incidents like this happening in our community it's important that we call it out, challenge it and do all we can to stop it.

"We need our community leaders to work alongside our elected representatives to lower tensions in this area and send a clear message that this won't be tolerated. I would also ask parents to ensure that their children are not engaging in this kind of activity. The majority of our young people are a credit to this area and should not be demonised, but the last thing we want is to see any young person ending up with a criminal record which could have a significant impact on their future."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 October 2024
New Youth Justice Agency Headquarters Officially Open
The new Youth Justice Agency (YJA) headquarters was officially opened today. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Justice Minister Naomi Long opened the new facilities, which are based at Charles House, Donegall Street, Belfast.
18 May 2007
Judge calls for publican ASBOs
Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) should be served on publicans who allow young people to get drunk, according to a judge. Lord Justice Girvan made the announcement during a High Court bail hearing of an 18-year-old male who is accused of attempted murder.
21 March 2019
Bereaved Families Pay Tribute To Tragic Cookstown Teens
Families of the tree tragic teens who died in a crush at a St Patricks event on Sunday have paid tribute to their lost loved ones. The young victims, 16-year-old Connor Currie, 17-year-old Lauren Bullock and 17-year-old Morgan Barnard, died after the incident at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on Sunday 17 March.
26 January 2024
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
22 December 2023
Over 60 NI Businesses Support New Young People Initiative
More than 60 businesses from across Northern Ireland have announced their joint support for enterprise education charity, Young Enterprise (YE), which aims to support the next generation of Northern Irish entrepreneurs. With the support of the business community, YE has announced the launch of their new Business Backers campaign.