22/08/2013

East Belfast Group Condemns Racist Attack

An east Belfast community project that represents ethnic minorities in the area has condemned a recent racist attack on a Nigerian man's house near the Castlereagh Road.

The East Belfast Ethnic Minority Support Network has spoken out against the vandalism on the property in the Wayland Street area, which took place in the early hours of Monday 19 August.

Racist graffiti was scrawled on the walls and a door and window were damaged.

Kerry Melville, network chairperson, said: "The racist attack in Wayland Street is utterly condemned by the EBEMSN. There is no place in our society for racial hatred and intimidation. It is totally unacceptable that people are being targeted because of their race, people have a right to live without fear. We are living in an increasingly diverse and multi-cultural city, which should be openly celebrated."

The East Belfast Ethnic Minority Support Network (EBEMSN) was established in 2005 and meets on a monthly basis to share information and to address issues surround service prevision to the needs of people from an ethnic minority background in East Belfast. It is attended by community, voluntary and statutory stakeholders.

(IT/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 February 2024
Tourism NI Launch New 'Get Into Tourism' Training Course
Tourism NI has announced the launch of a new accredited training course, designed to encourage people to 'Get Into Tourism'. The organisation has teamed up with Belfast Metropolitan College to deliver the free Level 2 City and Guilds qualifications.
30 June 2009
South Belfast MLA Anna Lo Threatened
A Hong Kong-born Assemblywomen has said she will not be deterred by racist threats against her life. South Belfast MLA Anna Lo (pictured) was told by police at the weekend that she is now a potential target for racist elements in the city.
29 August 2017
Racist Graffiti In East Belfast Condemned
An investigation has been launched into alleged racist graffiti in east Belfast. The graffiti, appearing to warn landlords to only rent to "locals", appeared on two walls in Dunraven Avenue and Glenbrook Avenue. Alliance Councillor for the area, David Armitage, reported the graffiti to police and has urged Belfast City Council to have it removed.
23 February 2006
East Belfast petrol bomb attack may be racist
A Filipino family in east Belfast have escaped injury following a petrol bomb attack on their home in Dundonald in the early hours of this morning. Two devices were thrown at the house in the Church Road area of Castlereagh at around 3.45am. One failed to ignite, while the other caused minor scorch damage to the property.
06 May 2014
Polish Residents Attacked In Latest Hate Crime
Two Polish residents of east Belfast have become the latest victims of a spate of racist hate crimes in the city, after the living room window of their house on Templemore Avenue was smashed at 23:30 on Monday night. A man in his 20s and a woman in her 40s were in the house at the time.