Tiernan (5), Ruaidhrí (1) and Fiadh (2) were in the house when it was targeted in a sectarian attackIt is impossible not to feel anything but absolute abhorrence at the targeting of a young family in Derry in a sickening sectarian attack. It emerged that windows of the house and a car outside had been smashed, and paint thrown at the vehicle and front door. Quite apart from the traumatising effect of the attack, to callously leave their son without the equipment he needs for his disabilities simply defies belief. Police dealt with more than 600 sectarian crimes in the 12 months up to the end of September 2025, an increase on the previous year, with almost 1,000 sectarian ‘incidents’ also recorded. A clear message must also go out from politicians and all those with influence that sectarianism and all other expressions of hate are completely unacceptable.