CHILDREN RUN THE GAUNTLET OF HATE.

Byline: THOMAS MARTIN

PROTESTANTS clashed with police in north Belfast today as they attempted to block the route of Catholic children attending school close to a sectarian interface.

A crowd of up to 200 protesters were held back by troops and RUC officers who used screens and riot shields to form a pathway for the terrified youngsters and their parents.

It was the first day of the new school term and trouble flared after attempts failed over the summer holidays to try to negotiate a settlement between the two sides after violence in the area earlier this year. At one stage police drew batons to shift the protesters. Missiles were also hurled.

The Protestants jeered and shouted abuse as the children and parents from the republican Ardoyne district were escorted to the Holy Cross primary school.

RUC assistant chief constable for Belfast, Alan McQuillan, said it was a disgrace that they had to try to build a safe corridor to get children through. But he warned that his officers would be there every day if necessary to ensure the pupils got to class.

He said that irrespective of the grievances people had, some which might be quite legitimate "to try to resolve those by blocking four, five and seven year old's going to school seems to me to be completely and totally wrong.

"The priority this morning must be that the children, some for the first time in their young lives, get to school free from trauma.

"My position is that peaceful and lawful protest is one thing, but there is no justification in this day and age for blocking the road and stopping children getting to school."

CAPTION(S):

WALK OF FEAR: Children are escorted to school guarded by soldiers and police LINE OF FURY : A Protestant woman is pushed back by police as children are escorted to Holy Cross primary