Touring cricket team terrified in racist attack

Racist thugs who chased teenage Indian cricketers through the streets of Belfast have reached a new low, it was claimed today.

The young tourists were left terrified after the attack in the city centre.

A house where some of the under-19s were staying was also stoned.

As the tour organiser revealed the team would not have come to the North if they had known what was in store, an MLA described it as another blow to an already tattered reputation.

Naomi Long, a cross-community Alliance Party Assembly member, said: “This is yet another low – a racist attack on visitors to our city. Locals and visitors alike will be suitably alarmed.

“This is another reminder of the need to destroy the scourge of racism in our society. This sort of incident merely backs up our reputation as Europe’s racist capital.”

Five of the teenagers were chased by a gang of up to 15 towards Albertbridge Road on Sunday.

As police investigated the attack, the Belfast-based organiser of the trip told how frightened the victims were.

Ashok Sharma told BBC Radio Ulster he had tried to pacify them, but they were still confused at being targeted.

He said: “They say if they had known this was going to happen to them, they would never, ever have come in the first place.”

Ms Long added that it was especially appalling for guests in the city to be singled out.

“People had gone out of their way to ensure the team came north of the border. What kind of stories will they go home with?” she asked.

“This kind of anti-social behaviour is becoming so common as to almost be acceptable in some quarters. Our streets, even our parks, are no longer safe.

“Never has it been clearer that our leaders need to get beyond pettiness, and deal with the real scars in our society that are bringing shame on us all.”