POLICE are investigating a sectarian hate crime attack at a youth club in Derry.
Officers responded following reports that a group of youths had gathered outside the premises in the Waterside’s Dungiven Road last night, Tuesday, September 20.
The youths stopped children inside the building from leaving.
They shouted abuse and threw items at a car, the PSNI say.
Police Inspector Rosemary Thompson said it was a scary experience for those attending the youth club.
“This was a frightening incident for the young people who were inside the club and also for the adults who came to collect their children.
“We are treating this as a sectarian hate incident and our enquiries are ongoing.”
Local Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson said he was contacted by a number of parents who told him the gang wore scarves to cover their faces.
“It’s hard to imagine the fear these children must have being going through,” explained Cllr Jackson.
“The gang involved in this attack had their faces covered by scarves.
“At a time when communities in the Waterside are striving to cement peace and encourage reconciliation it would appear that there is a very small minority intent on living in the past.
“There is no place in our society for this carry-on and those involved in these attacks should hang their heads in shame,” he added.
Anyone with information about those involved in the sectarian attack is asked to contact police on the 101 non-emergency number.
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