The First Minister Arlene Foster has called the attack tonight on the Shankill ‘attempted murder.’
Gangs hijacked a bus and set it on fire.
“This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder. These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism. They are an embarrassment to Northern Ireland and only serve to take the focus off the real law breakers in Sinn Fein. My thoughts are with the bus driver,” said Arlene Foster.
Translink said all passengers were able to get off safely and driver was ‘badly shaken’ but unhurt.
Sickening that a @Translink_NI bus was hijacked & attacked in West Belfast tonight & some services have had to be suspended to protect our drivers & passengers.Thankfully no one was hurt in this incidence, but those responsible for this & ongoing attacks on the PSNI need to stop.
— Nichola Mallon (@NicholaMallon) April 7, 2021
Translink has withdrawn all East Belfast services including glider services until further notice; All Metro 1s, 11s 12s and 2 Metro services are suspended.
Earlier, press photographer Kevin Scott said he was attacked by two masked men.
So much for peaceful – I have just been jumped from behind by two males, masked on Cupar Way. One pulled me to the ground and smashed @BelTel cameras. As I fought this one off I was told to fu*k off back to your own area you fenian cu*t by the other. Police informed pic.twitter.com/dkhGjLRYgv
— Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) April 7, 2021
Violence on both sides of the interface at Lanark Way now. Calm is needed on BOTH sides of the gates before we are looking at a tragedy. These are scenes we hoped had been confined to history. @NIPolicingBoard @NIOgov @PoliceServiceNI pic.twitter.com/SjtWq10UFo
— Police Federation for Northern Ireland (@PoliceFedforNI) April 7, 2021