RACIST ATTACKS on Romanian families involve local people in south Belfast but are not part of an orchestrated campaign against migrant families living in the city, according to the PSNI.
Over four days last week there were a series of attacks on the homes of Romanian families living at Belgravia Avenue and Wellesley Avenue. On Monday night a number of missiles were fired at people who demonstrated in support of the families.
A number of youths made Nazi salutes and fired bottles at those involved in the anti-racism protest. The youths were chased by some of those involved in the demonstration. Earlier some of those in the protest taunted some youths by calling them Nazis.
Against some local criticism that police weren’t doing enough to protect the Romanians, PSNI Chief Insp Robert Murdie said patrols were increased in the area to try to deal with the problem. In addition police were examining video footage to see if they could determine who was involved.
The officer said people must not take the law into their own hands in trying to tackle those engaged in racist attacks. While there were claims that British racist groups such as Combat 18 were involved, Chief Insp Murdie said there was no evidence of an orchestrated campaign against the families. “They are not organised gangs,” he said.
South Belfast DUP Assembly member Jimmy Spratt said those involved did not represent the views of the vast majority of people living in the area.
“Migrant workers have made a vital contribution to the economic and social life of Belfast and across Northern Ireland and I hope that everyone will continue to stand against such attacks,” he said.
