A Middle Eastern shop in Belfast is shutting down after repeated attacks over several months, the latest by a gang of egg-throwing teenagers who also racially abused and assaulted the owner’s teenage son.
Youths attacked the Middle East Market on the Falls Road shortly after 6pm on Tuesday and assaulted the teenager but a large group of local residents came out to defend the shop and disperse the group just ahead of police arriving.
While the attack took place amid continuing racially-motivated violence in various parts of the city beginning on Saturday, owner Ali Moustafa Wartty believes this incident is different as it only the latest of many stretching back to shortly after he was first opened eight months ago.
Mr Wartty, originally from Kurdistan and who owns businesses in other parts of the north, praised the local community and thanked members of their support, including on Tuesday evening following the latest attack.
Incredible show of community solidarity from the people of the Falls Road tonight after a group of young people attacked a shop owned by a migrant family.
— Paul Doherty (@PaulDoherty___) August 6, 2024
A strong message sent that we won't tolerate this behaviour. I have met with police and they are currently acting upon… pic.twitter.com/NncRYCxCab
Several dozen people gathered outside the Middle East Market across from the Royal Victoria Hospital to voice their support for the shop and its owner.
However, Mr Wartty said he cannot absorb the costs - including providing security, combating thefts and liability - of keeping the business going, largely because he has lost customers because of the repeated attacks over many months.
Eggs were thrown by a large group of young people, some barely teenagers, while Mr Wartty’s teenage son was jumped by several youths and had to be rescued by an older member of staff.
“It is happening a minimum three times a week,” said Mr Wartty, adding it is not only his shop front attacked but others as well, including the Subway next door.
Mr Wartty has reported attacks to the PSNI on five or six occasions. “They are just teenagers and no-one can control them,” he added.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones described a third night of officers dealing with incidents such as assaults, criminal damage and arson, announcing there have been six arrests since Saturday.
Ms Jones said on Tuesday officers received a report at around 6.10pm that the shop on the Falls Road had eggs thrown at it and that staff inside were being racially abused by a group of young people.
“A 15-year-old boy was assaulted, and while he received minor facial injuries, I have no doubt this was a terrifying incident for the young victim,” she said.
“When police attended, a large group from the local community were outside to defuse the situation. A 14-year-old boy was cautioned for offences such as common assault, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage. We will review the evidence gathered and follow this up in the coming days.”
One customer in the shop on Wednesday said her “blood was boiling” when she heard of the attack and assured the shop owner all the community “are here for you”. Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan also visited the shop on Wednesday to express his solidarity.
SDLP Councillor Paul Doherty, on the arrival of members of the community in the wake of the attack, said it was an “incredible show of community solidarity from the people of the Falls Road tonight after a group of young people attacked a shop owned by a migrant family.
Well done to the people of West Belfast for coming to the defence of a migrant-owned business on the Falls Rd this evening.
— Gerry Carroll (@GerryCarrollPBP) August 6, 2024
Tonight’s attack was awful but is representative of a minority. I commend the immediate response of the community, including PBP activists. pic.twitter.com/EG3Z0NQiBe
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll praised local residents for defending “a migrant-owned business”.
