'Where has the hatred come from?'

The anger felt by many has been reflected in comments from across the community and none more so than with two local ladies who, hours after reading the story in the Times, decided to make a contribution to a fund for a replacement vehicle.

The women, Anne Lambert, known to her friends as Perry, and Alison White, said they were gobsmacked when they learned of the attack and thought it right and proper that they should try and help.

A letter, accompanied by a card with a small cash donation, was delivered to the Times office with a request that we pass the money on to Clive and Margaret Elliott.

Their request was duly carried out and with unsurprising reaction from Mr. Elliott who said he was genuinely touched by their gesture.

He asked us if Ms. Lambert and Ms. White would 'go public' with their donation because it symbolised the revulsion felt by many and after some consideration, the two ladies, both pensioners from the Loughgiel area, agreed.

'Perry' told us: "There is absolutely nothing that is sectarian about the Community Rescue Service so where has the hatred come from? This was mindlessness."

Alison said: "We though it important to try and help. We, the people, are not going to let those who carried out the attack behave like this. If this kick starts a campaign to bring in money for a replacement vehicle then that will be good. We hope it will also send a signal that the community isn't going to allow this to happen again."

Perry added: "I saw a lot of mindless hatred in my time, but at least there was some sort of reason. With this it defies logic. It needs ordinary people to come out and condemn it. We expect condemnation from politicians. People see it as their job, but the ordinary people can reverse it."