Man (19) bailed over Roma attacks

Police in Northern Ireland have released a 19-year-old man held in connection with the intimidation of members of the Romanian…

Police in Northern Ireland have released a 19-year-old man held in connection with the intimidation of members of the Romanian community last week.

The man, who was arrested in south Belfast last night, was released this morning on bail pending further inquiries.

Last week 117 Romanians, including 49 children, were forced to seek refuge in a church hall in Belfast after being attacked. All but 14 of the Roma community who had to flee their homes have vowed to return home rather than staying in Northern Ireland.

News of the decision of the families came yesterday shortly after an attack on the City Church close to central Belfast which provided initial refuge for the Romanians last week before emergency temporary housing was found for them.

Windows in the church were smashed on Monday night.

Three 20-year-old men were arrested earlier this in connection with the attack on the church but have since been released.

On Monday, a 21-year-old man appeared in court in Belfast charged with intimidating the Romanians. Two boys aged 15 and 16 were also in court on similar charges.

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In addition, two males, aged 17 and 16, were arrested yesterday in connection with the attacks.