Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
END THIS MADNESS
PM’S appeal after rioting mob shame
A HIJACKED bus burns as Belfast was rocked last night by rioting.
The attack happened after loyalists gathered for a protest on Lanark Way yesterday which then led to violent clashes at interface gates in the west of the city.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply concerned by
the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist.
“The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality.” Videos circulating online show a bus being pelted with petrol bombs and having its windows smashed before it rolls to a halt. Rioting youths were also cheered on by watching adults.
A short time later, crowds gathered on the Springfield Road in West Belfast and missiles were thrown over the peace gates and at PSNI officers. Stones were thrown at police while a press photographer was assaulted. First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the attack on Twitter. She wrote: “There is no justification for violence. It is wrong and should stop.”
Reacting to the footage of young men throwing petrol bombs at the bus, the DUP leader said: “This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder. They are an embarrassment to Northern Ireland and only serve to take the focus off the real law breakers in Sinn Fein.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill said: “Disgraceful scenes of criminality including a potentially lethal attack on bus driver and assault on journalist.”
The Assembly is set to be recalled this morning for an emergency debate.