A bomb hoax at the Holy Cross Girls Primary School in North Belfast by loyalists today has been condemned as "unjustifiable" by Sinn Féin.
The hoax device was left at the gates of the school in the Ardoyne this morning, the first day of the new school year. It was claimed by the Red Hand Defenders, which is a cover name for the UDA.
Local Sinn Féin Councillor Ms Margaret McClenaghan said it was "a completely unjustifiable attack" on the children.
"On what for many is an excitable and pleasant day, being the first day back to school after the summer holidays, we see loyalists targeting Holy Cross pupils by attaching a device to the railings of the school.
"It is clear that there are elements within the UDA who are once again intent on stoking up sectarian tensions in north Belfast," she said.