Police hunt youth accused of assaulting priest

A republican youth who allegedly assaulted a Catholic priest after he tried to stop him stoning an Orange parade in north Belfast was being hunted by police today.

Father Gary Donegan was pushed and jostled when he attempted to stop minor trouble during the potentially flashpoint Tour of the North parade last night.

A number of missiles were thrown at marchers and police, but officers praised protesters and participants for enabling the evening to pass off without major incident.

One man hit on the head by a missile was taken to hospital with injuries which police said were not life-threatening, and two parade marshals were assaulted.

But Police Service local commander Mark Hamilton welcomed the generally peaceful nature of the event, which is the first major setpiece of the loyalist summer marching season.

He said: "We welcome the fact that the parade has passed off without major incident. This is testament to the dedicated work that has gone on behind the scenes by parade organisers, protest organisers and community leaders."

He said police had been pleased and encouraged by the orderly and respectful way in which the event was conducted and marshalled and equally grateful for the efforts of all community leaders in reducing tensions.

However he added: "Unfortunately a small element was intent on using young people and children to create disorder.

"This element was intent on destroying community life and increasing community tensions.

"Police would appeal for any information about the identity of those who engaged in lawlessness at the parade and those who were involved in an assault of Father Donegan and injury of two parade marshals."

Father Donegan, parish priest at Holy Cross in Ardoyne, said his treatment was a sign of a lack of respect for authority.

"Probably that young person doesn't recognise my authority, or anybody else's for that matter," he said.

Dissident republicans were accused by Sinn Féin of having tried to stir up trouble at the march, which in years past was blighted by clashes and set the tone for a violent marching season.

Gerry Kelly, Sinn Féin north Belfast MLA and junior minister in the Stormont Executive, said: "A number of individuals from certain micro-groups attempted to entice young people in the area into attacking the parade.

"Thankfully many of the young people approached me and other community representatives to inform us of this fact and stated very clearly that they would not be engaging in this type of activity."