Petrol bomb attacks on a much-used Derry resource were carried out by children aged 10 to 12, the IRSP in the city has said.
Dove House has been attacked by vandals on numerous occasions but incidents over the past week which saw the Bogside building petrol-bombed on two occasions have been the most serious.
An attack on Thursday night is estimated to have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and residents fear someone will be killed if they continue.
Several hundred people attended a rally in support of the centre on Friday.
Speaking at a hunger strike commemoration in Derry City Cemetery this afternoon, the IRSP chairman in the city, Martin McMonagle, said the attacks were “wrong.”
Calling on parents to be aware of their children’s activities, Mr McMonagle said it was the IRSP’s understanding the attacks were carried out by 10-12 year olds.
Mr McMonagle said: “Young people have a responsibility to respect the local community and all political positions and philosophies within that community.
“The attacks on Dove House are wrong and cannot justified in any way.
“Dove House has provided a sterling service to the people of Derry over a long number of years and they should be applauded for the work they do.
“These attacks, though, cannot be used to further marginalise republicans who hold a different view in this town and we applaud the young people who did put the fire and who were initially blamed for starting the fire.
“We call on parents to make sure they know where their children are, especially at night, as it is our understanding it was carried out by 10 and 12 year olds."
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