Northern Ireland: children are being ‘encouraged to commit criminal acts’

After a week of unrest police and politicians voice fears that gangs are coercing children to take part in violence

After a turbulent week in Northern Ireland which raised questions about law and order and political stability, arguably the most disheartening sight was that of children as young as 12 and 13 being sucked into violence against the police.

Naomi Long, the justice minister, said she felt ill" watching footage showing adults standing by cheering and goading and encouraging young people on as they wreaked havoc in their own community". It was, she said, nothing short of child abuse".