A temporary Lithuanian consulate is being set up in County Tyrone to offer support to Lithuanian nationals who are affected by hate crime.

The consulate, which is to be based in Dungannon, has prompted a visit by Lithuanian Ambassador to the UK, Vygaudas Usackas, who said that action had to be taken to prevent more of these attacks from happening.

Speaking to BBC news earlier today, Mr Usackas said: "There's a need to make that extra mile to find those perpetrators who conducted these attacks not just for the Lithuanian people, but for everyone involved for justice to take place, which, I think, is one of the key preconditions for stability and the well being of every citizen in Northern Ireland.”

He added that he believes that the eastern Europeans clearly contribute to the Northern Ireland economy as well as promoting different culture and links between the countries

Criminal Justice Minister, David Hanson MP, has welcomed Mr Vygaudas Usackas, to Northern Ireland.

David Hanson said: “I warmly welcome the Ambassador to Northern Ireland where we have a growing Lithuanian community. The rights of migrant workers are as important as that of any other worker in Northern Ireland and that includes the right to live free from hate crime.

“The government is determined to play its part to help workers settle in Northern Ireland. Guides that have been recently published demonstrate the positive steps that Government is taking to protect the rights and entitlements of migrant workers, including those in the Lithuanian community.”

Last year, there were 64 attacks on Lithuanian citizens living in Northern Ireland.

The temporary consulate is to be based in Dungannon.

(EF)