NI Romanian Attacks: Second Teenager Held
Police investigating racist attacks on Romanian families in south Belfast have made a second arrest.
Up to three properties were searched after 114 terrified migrants were forced to flee their homes following the violence.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed an “ongoing investigation” was taking place in the Donegall Avenue area.
The two males being held are a 15-year-old and 16-year-old.
Donegall Avenue is a loyalist working-class area near where two properties were vandalised last weekend.
Political leaders have condemned the violence.
Romanian ambassador Ion Jinga met Northern Ireland first minister Peter Robinson and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont yesterday.
He said he was encouraged by the response from members of the public, with food and blankets donated and the perpetrators condemned.
He added: “We accept that a minority of people have been responsible for creating the situation we now find ourselves in, and that this small section are not representative of the good people of Belfast.”
The victims, including a five-day-old girl, have been given temporary accommodation to allow them time to consider their future.
Many have already said they want to leave Belfast and be repatriated.
Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long said: “We will respect their wishes to either remain in Belfast or to return to Romania to visit their families and reassure them.
“Our aim is to support families in making decisions about their future which they feel are right for them.”
