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Police chief appeals for calm following clashes at flashpoint interfaces

The scene at Belfast's Woodstock Road yesterday showing sectarian graffiti warning Catholics to stay out of loyalist areas. Picture Hugh Russell.
The scene at Belfast's Woodstock Road yesterday showing sectarian graffiti warning Catholics to stay out of loyalist areas. Picture Hugh Russell. The scene at Belfast's Woodstock Road yesterday showing sectarian graffiti warning Catholics to stay out of loyalist areas. Picture Hugh Russell.

POLICE have appealed for calm following an upsurge in sectarian violence at flashpoint Belfast interfaces.

In the latest incident on Monday night police seized petrol bombs following attacks on nationalist homes in the east of the city.

Sectarian graffiti warning Catholics to stay out of loyalist areas has also appeared on walls on the Ravenhill and Woodstock Roads.

A slogan written on a wall at Woodstock Road includes the warning: “No S/S (Short Strand) Taigs on our roads”.

Residents from the Short Strand area would regularly use shops in the area.

Politicians say they believe the appearance of the graffiti is linked to recent tensions.

And nationalists have voiced concerns after loyalist flags appeared on the mixed Ormeau Road yesterday despite a pledge from police last year to treat a repeat of such actions as a breach of the peace.

The Union and Northern Ireland flags were erected on lampposts in the Ballynafeigh area. Nationalists have said they are disappointed that police have so far failed to act on assurances given last June.

Meanwhile Nigel Dodds has called for a meeting with police over a marked increase in sectarian attacks in north Belfast including an attack on Clifton Street Orange hall and clashes between rival youths at flashpoints in North Queen Street and Duncairn Gardens.

Belfast City District Commander, Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw, who issued a statement appealing for calm, said he believed many of those taking part had come from other areas and were intent on "stirring up tensions".

“Over the past number of weeks we have seen an increase in the number of incidents at interface areas across the city. These incidents are reckless and have the potential to result in someone getting seriously injured," he said.