Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister

“The increase in sectarian attacks against Protestants in the north end of Ballymena is a matter of grave concern. There was a noticeable intensification in harassment of Protestants in the run-up to the Internment Bonfire in Dunclug. The spread of hate crime into Dunfane Park, when a Protestant home was attacked and a window broken last Saturday, marks a very unwelcome extension of sectarian targeting of Unionists.

“It is imperative that the PSNI acts with vigour to stamp out this aggression and demonstrates that such will not be tolerated. The penalties available for hate crimes have been strengthened. It is important that prosecutions which are brought result in deterrent sentences.”