17/01/2014

Ford Condemns Hate Crimes

Justice Minister David Ford has called for an end to attacks on minority communities, following a spate of violence against Polish residents in east Belfast.

Six homes have been attacked over the past 10 days in the area.

Bricks were used to break windows last night at homes in Inverary Drive, Sandbrook Park, and Victoria Court.

Earlier this month, three other homes in the area were hit with bricks within a 15-minute period.

The Minister was speaking following a briefing with PSNI Chief Inspector Mark McEwan, Area Commander East Belfast.

The Minister also met Joanna Kuberczyk and Livia Larath from Belfast Migrant Centre, who have provided support to affected families.

David Ford said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms this spate of hate crimes. "People from these islands have been welcomed all around the world over many years and have contributed greatly to those countries.

"New people coming here enrichen our community and should be welcomed with open arms. We can learn much from new cultures and have nothing to fear from them.

"There is a responsibility on all of us to work towards a truly shared and inclusive society and the very small number of people carrying out these attacks have no support amongst the people of Belfast.

"I would call on anyone with information to pass it to the police or to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111"

(IT/CD)

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