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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Community anger after 'sectarian' flag erected near Holy Cross Girls in Belfast

Concerns have been raised after a flag of an 'intimidating' nature was erected in North Belfast.

The flag, which is believed to have been situated close to Holy Cross Girls' Primary School in Ardoyne, showed an image of Michael Stone with a caption saying 'hands up if you're going to be sectarian today'.

Greater Ardoyne Residents' Collective posted photos of the scene on their social media page sparking condemnation from parents of children at the school.

One parent said her daughter would not have been sent to school if she had of been aware of the flags earlier on Tuesday morning.

It is understood the flag was later removed.

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "I understand that the sectarian flag with loyalist killer Michael Stone on it which was erected outside Holy Cross Girls' Primary School has been removed. The hate mentality of whoever erected it is mind-boggling in its intent. There is no place in society for this type of activity."

Holy Cross Girls' Primary School. (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

Reacting to the incident, DUP Councillor Dale Pankhurst said: “I was made aware that a ‘Michael Stone flag’ was erected outside Holy Cross Primary School and Wheatfield Primary School this afternoon. The flag was removed after a short period of time. This is not representative of the local community, it should not have happened, and thank you to those who removed it.”

Greater Ardoyne Residents' Collective said: "Holy Cross Girls' pupils, staff and parents should be free from sectarian harassment and intimidation at all times.

"One of these flags, close to the gates of Holy Cross Girls' Primary School, features a picture of sectarian serial killer Michael Stone with his arms raised, accompanied by with the caption, 'Hands up if your (sic) going to be sectarian today'."

The PSNI said they "were made aware of concerns regarding a flag erected near a school in the Ardoyne Road area of North Belfast".

A spokesman added: "Officers liaised with a community representative and on return of police to the scene, it was observed that the flag had been removed."

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