THE TELEGRAPH: More than 100 Romanians sought shelter in a church hall after fleeing their homes in Belfast because of racist attacks.
Around 20 families were helped by police to evacuate their homes in the Lisburn Road area of south Belfast and seek safety on Tuesday night.
Police and community leaders condemned racism in the area which culminated in an attack on a rally in support of the east European migrants on Monday night.
Youths hurled bottles and made Nazi salutes at those taking part in the anti-racism rally.
The men, women and children, including a five-day-old baby girl, first sought shelter in a house where they thought they would be safe.
But there were so many trying to cram in a local church offered them the use of the church hall.
Pastor Malcolm Morgan claimed the church had been happy to help, saying: "It is a sad indictment of our society, but hopefully we can show them a different side to Northern Ireland and a caring side to Northern Ireland."
Pastor Morgan later said he believed a "small group of racist thugs" were behind the attacks. Romanians Fleeing Racism Seek Sanctuary in Belfast Church Hall >>> | Wednesday, June 17, 2009
