§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give an assessment of the security situation in North Belfast. [5064]
§ Jane KennedyThe security situation along the interface areas in North Belfast remains tense with nightly attacks on houses being carried out by both sides of the community. The security forces are maintaining a high presence in the area in an attempt to keep rival factions apart and calm the situation. Over 160 police officers have been injured as a result of attack from a barrage of missiles including blast bombs, bricks, bottles, petrol bombs and acid bombs. The Government have called on all those with influence in their communities to bring this mindless violence and thuggish behaviour to an end before someone is seriously injured or loses their life.