North Belfast Mum Speaks Out After Son Targeted in Sectarian Attack

An 11-year-old boy has been left traumatised following a sectarian assault in the Queen Victoria Gardens area of North Belfast, prompting his mother to question the handling of the incident by police.

The incident took place at around 9pm on Wednesday, September 2, when young Kevin was set upon by a crowd of youths aged between 12 and 16 from Tiger's Bay. During the altercation, the group shouted sectarian abuse at him, including slurs such as 'dirty taig'. When his mother, Catherine McCotter, attempted to walk away with him, the group continued to direct abuse toward them.

Catherine, who has lived in the Skegoneill area for nine years, contacted police on Thursday morning to report the attack and call for action. However, officers did not attend her home until approximately 7pm that evening. Before police arrived, the group of youths turned up on Catherine's street to intimidate her and her young son, shouting further sectarian abuse outside their home.

When officers finally arrived, Catherine noted they were reading the details of her report on her sofa rather than arriving prepared. Later that night, an officer described the incident over the phone as 'just a fight', despite reports that a video of the assault was being circulated among local youths. Catherine added that the crowd gathered once again at the top of Queen Victoria Gardens over the weekend with no visible increase in neighbourhood patrols.

The ordeal has had a profound impact on 11-year-old Kevin, an active child who typically enjoys visiting the library at the Grove or spending time in Peas Park. He is now terrified to leave the house, fearful of being attacked again, and has been reluctant to attend school due to concerns about the recording circulating. Catherine shared that the severe distress has left her son feeling overwhelmed and suicidal.

Emphasising the importance of respect in a mixed neighbourhood, Catherine noted that her children avoid wearing team colours such as Celtic or Cliftonville kits in the local area. Feeling let down by the lack of community resolution and visible protection, she has now lodged a formal complaint with the Police Ombudsman, calling for increased patrols to keep young people safe.

A spokesperson for the PSNI stated that officers in North Belfast handle a significant number of calls for assistance every day, prioritising those involving immediate risk to life or property. The spokesperson added that because the matter has been referred to the Police Ombudsman, police are unable to provide further comment.