Filipino families attacked

Unionist paramilitaries were behind a racist attack on three houses and two cars belonging to Filipino families living in Queen Victoria Gardens and Fortwilliam Parade in the Skegoniel area of North Belfast at around 1.50am on Tuesday 9 November. The homes and cars had Combat 18 logos, swastikas and racist slogans daubed on them.

A Filipino mother of five, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she feared for her and her children's lives.

"We have been working here as nurses, trying to help people, but someone wants to attack us because of the colour of our skin."

The nurse said her son was treated for head injuries last month after being attacked as he returned from school.

"After this attack we don't know what to do or where to go. What happens if they attack us with petrol bombs next time?"

Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly said Filipino families are an integral part of our communities and these racist attacks must be condemned by all right thinking people.

• Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast, Gerry Kelly, was due to speak on Wednesday night at a rally to address racist attacks on homes in North Belfast. The rally was called to give the local community a chance to show their support for the victims of these attacks. Other speakers included a member of the North Belfast Anti-Racism Network and a member of the Filipino community.