Romanian Man Stabbed In Newtownabbey Hate Crime

One of the five men attacked by a gang at a house in Newtownabbey over the weekend suffered stab wounds and a broken shoulder, it has emerged.

The four other men, all of whom are originally from Romania, suffered minor injuries in the attack at Hollybank Drive on the night of Sunday 06 January.

Police released further details of the injured man's traumatic wounds, but said that "contrary to some media reports" there was no evidence to suggest a firearm was discharged during the aggravated burglary.

District Commander Superintendent Sue Steen said the investigation is progressing and detectives are following a number of positive lines of enquiry.

"It is understandable that this incident has caused concern within the local community and I would reiterate our appeal for anyone with information to come forward," she said.

"Whilst one of the victims has sustained a broken shoulder and stab wounds, the others thankfully sustained only minor injuries. I would reiterate that there can be no justification for this vicious attack or the extensive damage caused to the house.

"The actions of those responsible are not reflective of the wider community who have been vocal in their support for the victims."

The incident is being treated by police as a hate crime.

At around 8.20pm, a number of masked men forced their way into the house, smashing all of the downstairs windows and assaulting the occupants with baseball bats.

"It is not acceptable for anyone to be physically attacked or threatened in their home so if you do know anything that could help please ring us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is completely anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime, in this case one motivated purely by hate," the District Commander added.



(JG/CM)