Pupils from a Catholic secondary in Derry have been subjected to sectarian abuse at a neighbouring school. The 15 girls from St Cecilia’s were attending shared classes at the predominantly Protestant Lisneal College when they were called “scum” and “Fenian”. Stones and bottles were thrown at their taxi as they returned to their school.

The Lisneal pupils responsible are being disciplined, and one has been told to make a public apology. In a joint statement, the boards of governors at both schools said they were committed to reducing tensions that have surfaced as a result.

“Both colleges are fully satisfied with the response and disciplinary action taken,” they said. “We are, as ever, sensitive to the sometimes difficult political and community context.” MR.