Northern Ireland

Video: Belfast Filipino family targeted for seventh time in race attack

A community in north Belfast will “stand” with a Filipino family after yet another race hate attack at their home.

A door panel window was smashed on Tuesday night in the latest incident at the Ballysillan home of Cleo and Memet Enriquez, who live at the Brae Hill Link property with their 15-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son.

The family say the attack – in which the house was pelted with stones – was the seventh such incident in the space of four weeks, including Halloween, when fireworks were thrown at the property.

They have pleaded for those behind the intimidation to stop, insisting: “We don’t deserve this.”

Cleo, who along with her husband works for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, told the Irish News how her family has lived in the house for 11 years, and has no desire to relocate.

“This is frightening for our children, and upsetting for us as parents,” she said, blaming youths who she believes are from outside the Brae Hill Link area.

“It is constantly happening, and they are throwing everything from eggs to stones, and snowballs in winter. At Halloween they threw fireworks into the driveway and even stole our pumpkin.

“We’ve worked hard and have almost paid off our mortgage so we don’t want to have to move. Why should we have to because some people don’t want us here?”

Cleo praised neighbours for rallying around the family in the face of the intimidation, adding: “We have tolerated this as long as we can, but when is it going to stop? It’s not fair – we don’t deserve this.”

Police confirmed they are investigating the attack as a hate crime, and appealed for witnesses to come forward, while DUP North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds called the incident "deplorable".

Meanwhile, Oldpark PUP councillor Julie-Ann Corr urged those behind the intimidation to think again.

“This has been going on for too long for this family; they’re understandably terrified and concerned for their safety,” Cllr Corr said.

“These incidents are not reflective of the diversity we value in north Belfast, and the great work that is done locally to engage with youths. I would urge those responsible for these incidents to stop.

“I can say for certain the community is furious that this is happening, and there is a feeling of repulsion that a family is having to suffer this way. As a community we will stand with them against these attacks.”