The RUC is treating two arson attacks on the homes of Catholic women in Belfast as sectarian. The two houses, in a Protestant enclave in north Belfast, were attacked in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Flammable liquid was poured through the letter-box of the houses and ignited. A 69-year-old woman living on Graymount Parade discovered the fire in her hallway. A short time later police on patrol noticed a fire at another house at Graymount Parade at about 3.20 a.m. They forced down the burning door and put out the fire.
A 56-year-old man received hospital treatment after a paramilitary-style attack near Donaghadee, Co Down, at about 2.25 a.m. on Saturday. A group of masked men forced their way into the house in Cottown and told the man he had 24 hours to leave the area. Another man is still in hospital after being beaten by a gang of five men in Greenisland, Co Antrim, last week. The RUC was informed of the incident on Friday although it took place on March 2nd. The 37-year-old man suffered a collapsed lung, broken ribs and facial injuries.