Yesterday night, Thugs took control of a bus after forcing its driver and passengers out. They then set it ablaze with the latest violence in Northern Ireland.
At 7.45pm, four masked men entered the double-decker in Newtownabbey (Co Antrim) and demanded that the driver and all passengers be released.
It was set on fire by loyalists on the outskirts Belfast. Later that night, the charred remains were still burning as armoured police officers monitored the scene.
A bus that was being used to protest the Northern Ireland Protocol, was taken hostage and set on fire in Newtownards by loyalists. The latest attack is still not known.
About 7.45 p.m., four men dressed in masks boarded the double decker at Newtownabbey Co Antrim and ordered driver and passengers to leave.
It was set on fire by loyalists on the outskirts Belfast. As police patrolled the area in armored vehicles, they found that some of the remains were still burning on Sunday night.
As violence continues across the country, disorder also broke out in West Belfast at a community interface last week.
Police were attacked by missiles and fireworks Friday and Wednesday night in the fighting between youths of nationalist Springfield Road, and loyalist Shankill Road. After a demonstration against the protocol, Wednesday’s disorder was caused by riot.
Stormont Infrastructure Minister Nichola mallon condemned Sunday’s hijacking and said that the driver was safe with her passengers after an ‘enormous experience’.
She stated that it was disgraceful, and even disgusting to hear of the attack on public transport workers. Masked men ordered passengers and driver off a bus and set it ablaze.
“This was the fourth attack of this year. Translink buses belong to the public. They are a public asset that allows people to get from one place to another, such as school or work, and also allow them access to medical appointments.
“Our bus drivers, who are mostly working-class people, deserve safety in their work. Public transport users also have the right to feel secure and be free to do their jobs without fear.
These cowardly, reckless attacks by criminals have only done harm to their community, denying them of critical public services.
“It’s another act of extreme self-harm that is consistently rejected by Northern Ireland’s people.”
As violence continues across the country, disorder also broke out in West Belfast at a community interface last week. Pictured is the bus in Newtownabbey
Stormont Infrastructure Minister Nichola Malon, condemning Sunday’s hijacking said passengers and driver were safe following a “terrifying experience”.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson described the attack as’senseless. He tweeted: ‘Such criminal behaviour could lead to death or serious injury.
“This is only harmful to local residents and communities. It does not serve any cause. It is time for the ringleaders to step aside. Politics is the way to bring about change, not burning down buses.
UUP leader Doug Beattie tweeted: ‘This is utterly pathetic and it needs to stop. Those responsible do not represent the overwhelming majority who just want a peaceful society.’
Sinn Fein North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said: ‘The hijacking and burning of a bus and threats to a driver in Rathcoole is dangerous, reckless and despicable.’
He said: ‘There is absolutely no place in our society for this criminality and violence. We need to see clear condemnation from unionist leaders tonight of this violence and further attempts to stir up tensions.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson branded the attack ‘senseless’. He tweeted: ‘Such criminal behaviour could lead to death or serious injury’
Doug Beattie of UUP tweeted, “This is completely pathetic and needs to end. The people responsible don’t represent the vast majority of peaceful citizens.
Spokesman for the PSNI said that police were notified of a hijacking at Church Road in Newtownabbey on Sunday night.
‘Words are as important as actions, so I encourage unionist leaders and members to stop using provocative language around this protocol.
“People desire calm leadership that reduces tensions and prevents violence from escalating on the streets.”
Spokesman for the PSNI said that police were notified of a hijacking at Church Road in Newtownabbey on Sunday night around 7.45pm.
According to reports, four men climbed onto the bus to order passengers out before it was set alight.
“Church Road is closed at the moment and divertions are in effect. Police would request that the public avoid this area.