SDLP woman attacked by stone-throwing youths

SDLP Assembly member Carmel Hanna was attacked by stone-throwing loyalist youths at a bonfire site in Belfast yesterday.

Ms Hanna was pelted with rocks when she arrived at the site in Shaw's Bridge, where loyalists have been gathering bonfire material ahead of the annual July 12 celebrations.

She was in the area for an interview with a television crew about the environmental concerns surrounding the bonfires that traditionally accompany the celebrations.

She said several bricks were thrown at her car, hitting the roof and smashing a wing mirror.

Last year, threatening loyalist graffiti was painted on walls in Ms Hanna's constituency after she spoke out against racist attacks.