A mainly nationalist north Belfast community is rallying around ethnic minority families visited by masked men who threatened them and told them to leave the area.
Neighbours in Ardoyne gathered at the front of the house of one family on Wednesday to deliver a message of support and tell those trying to intimidate that they do not represent their community.
Community activists expressed their solidarity for the families along with Sinn Feín MLA Gerry Kelly, who offered the families anything they need, adding: “We want them to stay.”
“We want the message to get out there. They are enemies of this community,” Mr Kelly added. Other Republican groups have also said they are ready to defend the families against the threats.
It is known that two homes were visited by masked individuals while the families also reportedly received messages on their phones
At one home, the couple were standing at the door of their house with three local women. He described how his entire front area was minutes earlier packed with people expressing support. His family, comforted by the support, are staying.
Another family has moved out temporarily. “They are from a war torn country where they were threatened and are terrified,” said Twasul Mohammed of the Anaka Women’s Collective, which is providing support to any families threatened.
Members of the collective were also in Tiger’s Bay helping people from 12 houses to safety on Tuesday night after their homes and vehicles were attacked. They are being looked after in various parts of the city.
A number of people did gather at Ardoyne Roundabout for an anti-immigrant protest on Tuesday night.
