Northern Ireland

Attack on Belgian man investigated as hate crime

Police are treating the attack as a hate crime. Picture by BBC
Police are treating the attack as a hate crime. Picture by BBC Police are treating the attack as a hate crime. Picture by BBC

A CHARITY worker from Belgium has told how he was "scared to death" after being injured when his east Belfast home was attacked in a hate crime.

The man believes he was targeted because of his accent.

Police confirmed that officers are investigating a report of criminal damage at a house in the Wayland Street area on October 31.

The attack came less than two weeks after cars were burned out on the same street, forcing a mixed race family to move.

In the latest attack, the man - who asked to be known only as Mark - suffered minor head and arm injuries when a brick was thrown through his front window.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene.

He told BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme that he came to Northern Ireland in 2006 and the majority of people had been welcoming.

"I can't believe some people are willing to do that to foreigners," he said.

"I am employed by a local charity here, I help elderly and disabled people. I add something to society and it's so weird to be targeted for being a foreigner while I contribute so much to society."

He said he did not believe he could stay in his home and was looking for somewhere else to live.

"People have prejudices. It's not up to me to condemn people with prejudices, I just try to educate them to see who I am, what I am," he said.

PSNI inspector Keith Hutchinson said police were treating the incident as a hate crime.

"Hate crime, in all its forms, is totally unacceptable. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that we live in a society where diversity is respected. If you or someone you know is the victim of a hate crime please contact police or your local support agency," he said.