23/07/2004

Home evacuated after possible racial attack

A number of people have had to evacuate their homes after a suspected pipe bomb was discovered outside a house in south Belfast this morning.

Police believe the device, which was found outside the house in Coolfin Street shortly after 7.30am, is linked to racial attacks in the area.

The device was later discovered to be a firework.

Yesterday, an Asian family was also targeted by petrol bombers in south Belfast.

A couple and their five-year-old daughter escaped injury when two petrol bombs were thrown at their house in Fane Street, off the Lisburn Road.

The Anti-Racism Network has questioned the commitment of the police in tackling racist crime and also criticised the Housing Executive in relation to the recent upsurge in racial attacks.

(MB)

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