Teenagers held in connection with attacks on Romanians

Two teenagers have been arrested today in connection with the violence which left terrified Romanians fleeing their homes in the North.

The male suspects are aged 15 and 16.

Police raided two houses in south Belfast following vandalism which left windows smashed on homes in the area.

More than 100 Romanians left and were put up overnight in a church hall earlier this week. They have been given emergency accommodation while they consider their future.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokeswoman said: "Police investigating the intimidation of Romanian nationals between June 11 and 15 in the south Belfast area have conducted two search operations in the Donegall Avenue area this afternoon.

"The operation is currently ongoing."

Donegall Avenue is in the loyalist working-class Village area near the two properties that were attacked last weekend.

Around 114 people became refugees as the Romanian ambassador visited Belfast for talks with political leaders and police.

Separately, on Wednesday night a bathroom window was broken in a house where three generations of Romanians were living.

Political leaders have condemned the violence.

Romanian ambassador Ion Jinga met Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont yesterday.

He said he was encouraged by the response from members of the public, with food and blankets donated and the perpetrators condemned.

The victims, including a five-day-old girl, have been given temporary accommodation to allow them time to consider their future. Many wanted to be repatriated.

Meanwhile, a PSNI spokeswoman said Chief Constable Hugh Orde held a "positive" meeting with Romanian ambassador Dr Jinga today.

She said he outlined measures taken to ensure the families are safe, protected and cared for.

"Also discussed were steps taken to prevent attacks happening," she said.

"The ambassador was assured that the PSNI do not tolerate this type of crime anywhere within Northern Ireland and will pursue those who carry out these attacks with vigour and determination."