Police keep factions apart

Police in riot gear near the school

Police and soldiers had to keep nationalist and loyalist factions apart near a Catholic Primary School in north Belfast.

Holy Cross Girls' Primary on the Ardoyne Road was closed on Wednesday after many parents kept children away over fears for their safety.

Trouble was confined to a few minor stone throwing incidents.

The school principal, Ann Tanney, said she had been assured by police that children will be protected when they arrive on Thursday.

She said: "I think it is essential that we have normality for these children.

"And that they can live and be educated in peace and security.

I think it is essential that we have normality for these children

Ann Tanney, school principal

"I think it is at an all time low when you have a primary school and that the children can't actually go to school to be educated."

On Tuesday, riot police had to protect children and parents at the school after they were attacked by a gang of stone throwers.

Police described the attack as "vicious" during which they had to separate rival groups after a stand-off developed.

Loyalists said the trouble began after men putting up flags were attacked.

Tension

There has been tension in the area since a loyalist Orange Order parade on 15 June, when there were some minor skirmishes.

Local RUC commander Chief Inspector Roger Maxwell appealed for people of good will on all sides of the community to use their influence to prevent such incidents.

The violence, initially involving mainly children, was the latest sign of rising tensions on the streets as the height of the traditional marching season nears.