Home of elderly couple targeted in paint attack

An elderly couple have been left traumatised following a sectarian attack on their home in north Belfast on Monday.

The Protestant husband and wife, who are in their 80's, were in their house on the Hesketh Road, when a window was smashed and paint thrown inside an unoccupied room.

The man, who is suffering from cancer, said he did not know why his house was attacked.

Local residents in the area reported seeing three youths wearing Celtic football shirts driving in and out of the street and targeting homes.

The gang are reported to have been driving a red Renault Laguna which hit a parked car as it escaped.

DUP assembly member Nelson McCausland described the attack as "deliberate" and "blatantly sectarian".

Meanwhile, North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds has met with local police chiefs to discuss the security situation in North Belfast in the wake of recent civil disturbances.

Commenting after the meeting Mr Dodds said: "I have sought assurances from the police that whatever resources are needed, in order to combat these attacks at interface areas, will be made available.

"There is clear evidence that very young children are involved in some of the rioting and I would back calls for parents to ensure that they are not only aware of where children are, but are also aware of the activities that they are engaged in."

In the most recent incident, a 13-year-old boy was arrested after reports of youths stoning cars on the Limestone Road.

On Sunday, hundreds of rival youths clashed near Ardoyne shops following the Rangers and Celtic 'Old Firm' game which was televised live that same afternoon.

(MB/SP)