Duddy: Attacks are ‘sectarian campaign’

Homes at Quilly Road and Granary Drive were attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police are appealing for information on the attacks, which brings the total number in the area to 13.

In Quilly Road two flags were ripped off a flagpole and graffiti was sprayed on the wall of the house.

In a similar incident at Granary Drive damage was caused to a car after corrosive liquid was poured over it.

Speaking to The Times on Monday morning, DUP councillor George Duddy, whose home was attacked earlier this month, said it was time for the police to ‘deal with the offenders’.

“These attacks can only be described as a conserted sectarian campaign.

“I have spoken to both of the families this morning, and their expectations of the police catching the culprits is zero.

“Thousands of pounds of damage has been caused to a family car - this cannot be allowed to continue.

“I can’t see the police making any inroads into catching the offenders.

“We have been told that police are uppinig patrols, but I have seen no evidence of this.”

The DUP man went on:” I have also noted that Nationalist politicians in the area have made no effort to condemn these attacks on people’s homes.

“Yet year on year, as we approach the marching season, they bombard the press with statements about the flying of flags - their words of condemnation are deafening.”

DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan has also condemned the latest attacks: “This cannot go on any longer.

“The police have to be seen to be taking action on whoever is carrying out these attacks.

“There are have now been 13 attacks and not one person has been arrested or questions - something has to be done.”

Inspector Catherine Magee said: “We have been working with community representatives and assure the general public we are fully committed to playing our role in identifying the offenders and preventing such dreadful crimes.

“I would encourage anyone to report activity - we all have a responsibility to unite against hate crime.”