Minister in bid to end Belfast school protests

Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy will meet political leaders and community leaders in north Belfast today in a bid to end the loyalist protests at a Catholic primary school.

As a second night of violence erupted in the Ardoyne area close to the Holy Cross Primary School, Ms Kennedy said the attempted blockade must end immediately.

‘‘I think it is important for those that are involved in the violence to understand that our priority must be those children, the safety of the children and the importance of creating an environment in which those children can go to school unmolested,’’ she said.

The protests are expected to resume today after a night of violence which saw loyalist gunmen fire on the Royal Ulster Constabulary at Ardoyne Road.

Two police officers were slightly injured as the security forces created a barrier between rival loyalist and nationalist mobs.

Petrol bombs, nail bombs and blast bombs were thrown at police lines during disturbances close to the area where loyalists are engaged in an ongoing protest to prevent Catholic children going to school.

In the Glenbryn area, a large crowd of loyalists threw bottles bricks, fireworks and ball bearings at the security forces.

There were also reports of clashes between rival mobs in the North Queen Street, Limestone Road and Westland Road areas.

The trouble followed another day of violence close to Holy Cross Catholic Primary School.

Three officers were hurt in clashes with loyalists, one needing treatment for a broken collarbone after a pipebomb exploded just yards away from the school early today.

RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan said the officer could easily have been killed.

He said that such attacks on his officers would not be tolerated.

‘‘There were a number of arrests today and there will be further arrests and that will continue to be our stance.

‘‘We will do whatever it takes to get these children safely to school,’’ he said.