Gang of youths force refugee woman from her house in Belfast
Around 100 youths were seen 'banging on doors, drinking and running up and down the street'
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A refugee has been forced to leave her home in north Belfast after a gang of youths smashed her front door.
Police were called to reports of burglary and criminal damage in the Oldpark area.
Prior to the attack, residents complained around 100 youths were “banging on doors, drinking and running up and down the street,” the police told the BBC.
Officers arrived at the woman’s house and were told the front door and an inner door had both been damaged after a group of youths tried to get inside.
It was unclear if the incidents were linked.
“The resident of the house, a lady in her 50s, was upset by the incident and police put her in touch with social services to make other accommodation arrangements,” Inspector James Murphy said.
Police are not treating the attack as a hate crime.
They are issuing appeals and are “asking parents and guardians to ensure they know where their children are, what they are doing and who they are with.”
Paul McCusker, an SDLP councillor, told the Belfast Telegraph: ”It is despicable that a refugee, who left her war torn country for a better life, has been removed from her home by the PSNI for her own safety after thugs attempted to gain access to the property during the disorder.
“All residents, no matter class or creed, have the right to live in peace, free from intimidation and fear.
“I would urge the teenagers and young adults partaking in this disruption to stop and think of the consequences.”