Lynch calls for end to sectarian violence in Twadell Avenue

11.17.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd May 2008

Alliance North Belfast representative and Executive Director Gerry Lynch has condemned last night's violence in Twadell Avenue in North Belfast. The violence, in which bottles and stones were thrown between rival groups of youths, follows similar incidents in the past months in the area.

Gerry Lynch said: "Last night's violence shows how much we have to do to overcome sectarianism in Northern Ireland.

"Many of the people involved think getting involved in a recreational riot is a bit of a laugh. It is not so funny for the families living in torment in vulnerable homes near the interface. The people involved in this sort of rioting will not stop until there is a serious prospect of arrest and prosecution for being involved.

"I must commend the good work of community workers in the area who helped to end the violence. Our Executive must now make creating a shared society its number one priority, ensuring that public agencies support the excellent work going on on the ground.

"I would call on any person with information about last night's violence to contact the police."

ENDS