A CATHOLIC woman living at the east Belfast interface has launched a High Court legal action against the Secretary of State and police.

The Short Strand resident, whose identity is be protected on the basis of her personal safety, launched the action against John Reid and the police for their “continued failure to protect the nationalist residents”.

The resident is asking the court to order that the police and secretary of state have failed to adequately safeguard and protect the applicant’s rights and those of her children.

These include their right to life, their right to freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment and their right to privacy and family life, including safe enjoyment of their home.

Angela Ritchie from Madden and Finucane Solicitors confirmed the High Court action had been launched.

“An application for judicial review has been lodged in the High Court for a resident of Short Strand,” Ms Ritchie said.