Security Minister visits north Belfast primary school after attacks

The Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy has paid a visit to Currie Primary School in north Belfast which has been attacked in recent days by nationalists.

The Security minister visited staff and governors on Tuesday to hear for herself, she said, how violent community clashes in the vicinity of the school had impacted on its pupils and staff.

The meeting followed calls by North Belfast Democratic Unionist MP Nigel Dodds for increased security at the school which currently has 135 pupils.

Speaking after the visit the Minister said: “I was grateful for the opportunity to visit Currie Primary School and to listen to the difficulties encountered by the pupils, staff and parents in light of the very serious disturbances that have been taking place within the local community.”

However the minister said a “security response alone is not the answer”.

She added: “I would encourage all of those in the community who are engaged in trying to bring to an end the all too frequent violence that we have seen on the Limestone Road, to redouble those efforts for the sake of all of the children in the area and for the future of all of North Belfast.”

In recent days, the school has come under attack during clashes between loyalist and nationalist residents in the area.

On Monday, parents collecting their children from the school said they were attacked from nationalists.

There was also sustained rioting in the area at the weekend. (AMcE)