College closes after masked men terrify students

A Further Education college in east Belfast has closed for the day after masked men terrorised students.

The incident took place this morning in the Belfast Institute’s Tower Street Campus off the Newtownards Road when a group of people entered the building and issued sectarian threats to staff and students.

The building was evacuated under police supervision and then was closed for the rest of the day.

Students said a number of masked men entered the college on Tower Street and attempted to identify students from the Short Strand area where sectarian clashes with loyalists have taken place over the past week.

Speaking about the incident today Belfast Institute Director, Professor Patrick Murphy said he wanted pupils to be given the chance to study in peace.

“I understand the depth of feeling in East Belfast on both sides and I would not wish to make the situation worse in any way,” he said. “But staff in this Institute cannot be expected to work in these conditions and students cannot be expected to study and sit examinations when under threat of violence.

“This Institute offers education to all the communities in Belfast.

“I hope this was a one-off incident which will not be repeated and that the process of learning can proceed unhindered.”

Yesterday, new security measures were announced by Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy after a week of disturbances in which several people were injured by gunfire fired across so-called peace lines.

Ms Kennedy said the Army would put up a screen on top of the existing peace wall between Cluan Place and Clandeboye Gardens.

A further screen is to be erected in Bryson Street.

Ms Kennedy said military personnel would commence work as soon as possible. It is believed the screens could be in place in the next few days.

"I am horrified by the continuing levels of violence in east Belfast and I have taken this decision on security advice," she said.

"I would much preferred not to have had to take this decision but it reflects the serious situation on the ground over the past number of days and weeks.

"Security measures cannot provide a lasting solution to the deep divisions that exist. I call on all community leaders to use their influence to bring an end to this dreadful cycle of violence."

(AMcE)