31/08/2005

Loyalists blamed for petrol bomb attack on school

Loyalists are being blamed for a petrol bomb attack on a Catholic school in Ballymena last night.

Fire crews were called to Saint Louis Primary School on the Cullybackey Road at about 11pm on Tuesday after a window was broken and liquid poured in and set alight. One classroom was destroyed and ten others sustained smoke damage.

The attack is the second such attack in the town in a matter of days. On Monday, nearby Saint Mary's Primary School was attacked with petrol bombs with damage estimated at £1,000.

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan said not enough was being done to stop those behind the attacks and that local MP Ian Paisley needed to do more.

"This is the second attack on a primary school in Ballymena in as many days," Mr McGuigan said.

"People are absolutely sickened and disgusted that these attacks are continuing and that they are being directed towards education facilities of children. Nowhere near enough is being done to bring these attacks to an end."

Police have appealed for information about the recent attacks to call them on 028 2565 3355 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(MB/SP)

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