The Ulster Unionist Party has condemned Thursday night’s, attack on the Fountain Estate in Londonderry in which three petrol bombs were thrown.    

The Party’s Foyle Constituency Chairman, Ronnie McKeegan, said: 

“Last night’s attack was the latest in a long line of attacks on the people of the Fountain.

The Ulster Unionist Party welcomes the fact that there has been condemnation of these attacks from across the political spectrum, but we believe that more must be done to ensure that this minority community is permitted to live in peace and security.

The Police response last night was very prompt and I would like to commend them and local community representatives who attended the Bishop’s Street area and ensured the situation did not escalate.

I shall be meeting the Police next week along with the Ulster Unionist Party’s policing board representative Ross Hussey MLA to raise our concerns.  

This has been a very good year for the city of Londonderry. We have hosted many successful events as the UK City of Culture, plus the Maiden City Festival and the all-Ireland Fleadh. These demonstrate the potential that this City has.

However, we will not realise that potential as long as the minority unionist community in the Fountain is forced to live virtually under siege in fear of attack.” 

West Tyrone MLA Ross Hussey, who also represents the Party on the Policing Board, said:

“Last night’s attack was both cowardly and indefensible. I raised the issue of on-going attacks on the Fountain with the Chief Constable at the Policing Board on Thursday afternoon and requested increased patrols in the area to provide a greater degree of protection and security than the local; residents currently enjoy.

I urge all those with influence in the City to do all in their power to stop these attacks.”