Romanians Flee Racist Attacks

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has joined Martin McGuinness in condemning a spate of racist attacks in south Belfast, which have forced scores of Romanian families to flee their homes.

This afternoon, Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie said those affected would be temporarily rehoused, meaning up to 20 families will be offered emergency accommodation.

Around 115 immigrants sought refuge at Belfast City Church last night, following continued intimidation in recent weeks. The families, including many women and children, have now been moved to a local leisure centre.

Council officials, the police and social services have been holding talks for most of the day to decide the best way forward.

At the weekend two families were targeted by a mob, who smashed windows and jeered racist chants at the Lisburn Road residents.

A rally held by the local community on Monday night - in protest at the incidents - came under fire from youths pelting bottles and abuse at the crowd.

Yesterday Alliance MLA Anna Lo, who attended the rally, failed to secure the Stormont Speaker's approval to raise the issue on the Assembly floor.

Ms Lo and Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long, as well as several other politicians, today met with the Romanians forced from their homes.

Mrs Long said: "This is a small number of people who are engaged in this violence. I understand this is cold comfort to the people affected by it.

"They have a right to be in Belfast they are part of the fabric of this city. I want to see them treated with the respect and dignity that I would demand for any other citizen," she added.

Prime Minister Brown said he hoped the authorities would take all action necessary to protect the families.

Police have said there is no indication the attacks have been orchestrated by paramilitaries, although it has been reported the attacks have a neo Nazi Combat 18 theme.

Meanwhile, the latest events have sparked broad condemnation from all of Northern Ireland's main political parties.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said a collective effort is needed to "face down these criminals in society who are quite clearly intent on preying on vulnerable women and children".

However, some bodies have criticised the Executive's failure to push forward Community Relations policy.

(PR/BMcC)