Racist attacks force over 100 Romanians to take shelter in church
A Romanian woman and her child are escorted by police into the Ozone Leisure Centre in Belfast
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6517825.ece
More than 100 Romanians were sheltering in a church hall today after fleeing their homes in Belfast because of racist attacks.
Around 20 families were helped by police to evacuate their homes in the Lisburn Road area of south Belfast and seek safety last night.
Police and community leaders condemned racism in the area which culminated in an attack on a rally in support of the east European migrants on Monday night.
Youths threw bottles and made Nazi salutes at those taking part in the anti-racism rally.
The men, women and children, including a five-day-old baby girl, first sought shelter in a house where they thought they would be safe.
But there were so many trying to cram in they didn’t fit and a local church offered them the use of the church hall for as long as they need.
Pastor Malcolm Morgan claimed the church had been happy to help, saying: “It is a sad indictment of our society, but hopefully we can show them a different side to Northern Ireland and a caring side to Northern Ireland.”
He said he believed a “small group of racist thugs” were behind the attacks.
“When (the Romanians) arrived last night they were very distraught and bewildered,” he added. “We have a five-day-old baby amongst the group and lots of young children.
“They are migrant workers and I don’t think it is anything to do with religion at all.”
Police patrols were stepped up in a bid to stop the racist attacks which have continued for four days after festering for months.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman said: “Police in the south Belfast area assisted several organisations in the temporary relocation of a number of families following consultation with community representatives.
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