Racist attacks - Society as a whole is under threat

Attacks on Romanian families in Belfast are a haunting reminder of the 1960s when similar thugs engaged in attacks on Catholics, driving them from their homes. That mindless violence had repercussions for the whole island that were to last for decades.

Racial tensions boiled over during an attack on a rally in support of east European migrants early this week. Youths gave the Nazi salute and threw bottles at those taking part in a rally against racism.

Romanian families living in Belfast have had pages of Hitler’s Mein Kampf stuffed through their letterboxes. Police patrols have been increased in the affected areas in an effort to curb the violence, which has persisted throughout the week after festering for months.