Family home targeted by racists

Racists who have daubed slogans on the walls and posted leaflets through the letterbox of a house in south Belfast have targeted a family for three years forcing the woman from her home.

The woman who lives in a house in the Ormeau Road area with her mother and children is understood to be from Nepal and has lived in the area for 30 years.

Commenting on a spate of attacks, Ulster Unionist South Belfast Assembly Member, Michael McGimpsey, has said: "Racism is a blight on society that hinders our progress towards peace and prosperity. We ought to embrace the cultural differences of others and acknowledge the benefits and advantages that diversity can bring into our community.

"Whether through tougher penalties, such as hate crime legislation, or through education and public awareness raising of the issues involved, it is vitally important that we confront the thuggish, racist minority.

"Racism is an assault on our values and cannot be tolerated. Those who have targeted this lady and her family do not represent the majority views of the community and they do nothing but bring shame on society.

"I condemn these attacks utterly and would urge anyone with any information to come forward."

The woman, who was interviewed on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show, said that police had been supportive, but that the house had recently been attacked with acid bombs and an attempt had been made to kick in the door.

(SP/KMcA)