Race attack families to be rehoused
Romanian families forced to flee their homes in Belfast in the wake of racist attacks are to be temporarily re-housed.
All 114 people who had to seek shelter in a church on Tuesday night will be offered the emergency lodgings, said Northern Ireland's social development minister Margaret Ritchie.
It is understood student accommodation in the Queen's University area is being made available for one week.
"I am pleased that we have been able to secure temporary accommodation for any of those who require it by six o'clock this evening," the Stormont minister said on Wednesday.
"And that will enable the Housing Executive to work with the residents about their choices and their options over the next week."
Frightened Romanian men, women and children were on Wednesday morning moved to a temporary refuge at indoor tennis courts in a council leisure centre where they were given food and other provisions. Many have now vowed to leave Northern Ireland for good.
Urgent talks are being held between police, community representatives, politicians and officials from a range of statutory agencies to draw up an action plan aimed at making the families feel safe to stay.
More than 100 Romanian nationals spent Tuesday night in the City Church, near Queen's University, after evacuating their homes in the Lisburn Road area in the south of the city. Police helped up to 20 families leave their houses and set up in the hall while volunteers provided bedding and food.
Simmering racial tensions in the area have erupted over recent days, culminating with 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.
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