‘Massive’ rise in attacks on Polish families
There has been a “massive” increase in the number of attacks on families from Poland, the Polish consul in Northern Ireland has said.
Last week, there were three incidents in the same street, Mountcollyer Avenue in north Belfast, targeting people from Poland.
Jerome Mullen, who represents the Polish community, said the number of attacks is up as much as 40%.
“We’ve had a massive increase all of a sudden in the attacks that have taken place since the beginning of last week,” he told UTV.
“I believe the police now tell us there’s about a 40% increase in race crime over the past year and this is very concerning.”
Polish Consul Jerome Mullen says there has been a 40 per cent rise in racist attacks in last 12 months.
— Sarah Clarke (@sarahclarke_utv) April 13, 2015
He's calling for better political and community leadership condemning the attacks in north Belfast.
— Sarah Clarke (@sarahclarke_utv) April 13, 2015
The front windows of a Polish man’s home were smashed at Mountcollyer Avenue in a suspected hate crime on Friday night.
And last Monday night, two Polish families with young children were threatened by a gang of men in a racist attack.
It was reported that one of the men was carrying a pick axe.
Two houses in the area had windows smashed, one of which was the bedroom of a 15-year-old boy.
Police have noted a rise in hate crime attacks in this area and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Writing on Twitter, ACC Martin said: “Recent hate attacks on members of the Polish community are unacceptable.
“Please tell the police if you know anything.”
