Fear and a desire to flee grips south Belfast immigrants after riots and attacks on homes, businesses and a man in his 30s left seriously ill in hospital.
Members of the migrant community have spoken of their concerns following an attack on a family home that has been linked to the anti-immigration disorder in the city.
The property in Pandora Street, off Donegall Road, had a front window smashed on Monday evening, as police dealt with youths throwing missiles including petrol bombs and masonry a short distance away in the Sandy Row area.
Neighbours confirmed the house had been occupied by a migrant family, who had departed the property by Tuesday morning.
The night of violence also saw a man in his 30s left in a serious condition after being assaulted by a group in nearby Oban Street.
A supermarket owned by a Syrian employer, which saw severe damage caused by an arson attack on Saturday, was targeted for a second time when those involved in Monday night’s disorder attempted to set another fire at the premises.
The fire was quickly extinguished by police officers, the PSNI has said.
PSNI temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones has condemned the violence, saying officers are working to identify those involved, and urged anyone with information to contact police.
Speaking of the targeting of the property in Pandora Street, neighbours said they were concerned over further incidents taking place in an area with a large migrant community.
One health worker from the Philippines, who would only give his first name, Tala, said: “I’ve become more cautious when I’m out.
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“As a foreigner, I have encountered some aggressive locals before. They are usually younger people, and they have called me names, and have tried block my path while I’m walking to try to intimidate me.
“It makes me feel unwelcome - if it became worse, I would consider leaving.”
Rob Hewitt, who is from Belfast but whose mother is originally from Cameroon, said: “I’ve lived here all my life, but it’s got to the stage where I would now think twice about going out at night, but my main concern would be for my mother, and what might happen if she ran into the wrong person.”
Indian student Shakil Abdullah, who is a Muslim, said he had previously experienced “bullying” from local youths.
“I’m concerned for my safety when I’m coming back home after dark, and I have had bottles thrown at me before,” he said.
“I’ve had friends come to my house and they’ve faced the same problem, so they don’t want to come now when I invite them to visit. In general, I really love Belfast, but this trouble has left me worried for what else might happen.”
Meanwhile, following the second attack on the Sham Supermarket, those passing the premises spoke of their horror at the targeting of businesses and ongoing fears for their own safety.
Saud, a student from Saudi Arabia, said he was a regular customer at the store, and now feels “unsafe” in south Belfast.
“If you’re going to protest, that’s acceptable of course, but when it comes to damage to property, that’s criminality - the police must stop this,” he said.
“I’m considering leaving the area with my family. Our safety comes first. I’m a student, a legal immigrant, but I feel unsafe. It doesn’t feel like there’s a strong response to this. It feels like they protect the criminals, and not the people being targeted.”
Ibukun, a mother originally from Nigeria, said: “I’ve lived here for 20 years - my daughter was born here. We know Belfast to be a peaceful place. For us to wake up and see what has happened, it’s a terrible and sad situation.
“We live with fear now. I’m concerned even about going to the shop - I was telling my children, I think we should even stock up on food at home rather than to go out and risk trouble.”
