“No one should have to live under threat or fear because of their identity,” the DUP MLA said
The PSNI have said that “no offences were detected” in an incident that a local MLA has described as a “coordinated sectarian attack”.
Officers were called to the Queens Park Estate in Glengormley following reports that a large crowd of youths had gathered in the area on Saturday evening.
Reports on social media suggested that the youths had taken down several flags in the area, while footage shows a large crowd running from the area.
“Last night, around 50 individuals entered the Queen’s Park Estate in Glengormley in what can only be described as a coordinated sectarian attack on the local community,” North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett posted on social media.
“This follows a pattern of recent hate crimes, including repeated targeting of our war memorial and ongoing attempts to intimidate residents. I have spoken with the PSNI and local community leaders — there must now be a robust and visible policing response to protect people in their own neighbourhoods.
“Let’s be clear: if such an incident had taken place anywhere else, it would be front-page news. Yet when the unionist community is targeted, there is silence from sections of the media and other political parties. That double standard is unacceptable, and I will not allow it to go unchallenged.
“No one should have to live under threat or fear because of their identity. Sectarian hate crimes must be condemned by all — without exception and without excuses.”
When contacted by Belfast Live, the PSNI said that while they did receive a report of the incident, officers attended and no offences were detected.
“Police received a report of a large gathering of youths in the vicinity of the Ballyclare Road in Glengormley yesterday evening, Saturday 8th November,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
“Officers attended and no offences were detected. Police are aware of ongoing concerns of residents in the area and are stepping up patrols as a precautionary measure.”
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