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A group of committee members for Pride in Newry were attacked after closing the event.

Homophobic abuse was hurled at the group of five committee members as they made their way along Margaret Street before they were attacked at around 2.30am on Sunday, September 4.

A spokesperson for Pride in Newry said the members had been closing up after the Pride ball and were wearing rainbow-coloured clothes when a number of individuals started shouting homophobic abuse at them.

One of the members was then set upon after asking the culprits to "have some respect".

Rory Rafferty, a spokesman for Pride in Newry, said: "I do not think it's a reflection of our experience in Newry to date. We have had five years of Pride and it's been positive with the people of Newry broadly accepting the concept of it.

"Saturday went extremely well with our biggest event to date, there were between 6,000 and 7,000 out on the streets for the parade.

"It's just really annoying that the actions of a couple of individuals can overshadow what was a very positive Pride.

"It's really terrible, usually on Monday we are relaxing and celebrating what we achieved, but instead we are sitting around very sad."

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SDLP Armagh Councillor Pete Byrne is set to raise this matter at Newry, Mourne and Down district Council this evening.

He said: "I’m shocked and disgusted that several members of the Newry Pride Committee were subjected to a savage attack after Saturday’s parade and celebrations. The very essence of Pride is that everyone should be able to hold their head high and be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their sexual orientation.

"Those who committed this heinous crime will not win. Our community has stood strongly together to face down bigots before and we stand together again now. Our resolve will not be diminished by cowardly thugs.

"This once again underscores the urgent need for a robust sexual orientation strategy that challenges homophobic behaviour and supports those who suffer as a result. The LGBT community cannot continue to wait on dawdling Executive Ministers while people are being attacked in the street.

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"My thoughts and the thoughts of the SDLP are with those injured as a result of this attack and their families at this distressing time. I would encourage anyone who has any information about this attack to bring it forward to the police as soon as possible."

Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon added: "This attack sadly shows that prejudice still exists in some parts of society.

"Sinn Féin are committed to ending prejudice and bringing equality to all citizens across the island.

"I would encourage anyone who has information regarding the attack to contact the police."