Polish man injured in racist attack

A Polish man was taken to hospital after being injured in a racist attack in Co Armagh, police confirmed today.

The attack happened in the mainly nationalist Ballyoran Park area of Portadown in the early hours of this morning.

One man has been arrested after the attack in which the Polish migrant worker was injured in the face in a house he shares with two others.

It was reported that an armed gang burst into the house and assaulted the man at around 4am.

Police said they believe the attack was racially motivated. The injured man has since been released from hospital.

Nationalist politicians and community representatives have condemned the attack.

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd said those responsible were not representative of the local community.

He said: “Speaking to people in the area this morning, there is a very clear sense of anger and outrage over this attack.

"I intend to meet up with members of local community groups, clergy and others to discuss what steps can be taken locally to prevent any re-occurrence of this attach and to try seek to reassure other members of the migrant worker community.”

Breandán MacCionnaith, chairman of Drumcree Community Trust said people in the area were angry and ashamed by the attack.

He said: “There are no excuses or justification for this unprovoked attack. Those responsible are hoods and thugs who have prey on the most vulnerable within our community.”