Nothern Ireland Racist attacks on Romanians in Belfast

115 Romanians were forced to spend the time at Ozone Leisure Centre in south Belfast after racist attacks on their homes. Loyal paramilitary group was believed to have been involved in the incidents but the suspicions were later denied. Romanian hate attacks were condemned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who considered the tragic events a shameful episode and urged the police and all agencies to take action in protecting the people. About 20 Romanian families found refuge in a church on Tuesday night following attacks with bricks and stones on their houses by unknown persons. The people had been threatened verbally and later three properties were attacked on the same day - Jolena Flett, Racial Harassment Adviser for the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities said. Local officials including Lord Mayor Naomi Long do not want to see the Romanians flee out of Belfast they being considered part of the city.