Firebomb attack on Poles

Migrant workers in Northern Ireland were yesterday taken to hospital after their house was set alight in a suspected racist attack by arsonists. Six Polish people were in the building on Castlereagh Road, Belfast, at about 2.30am when the fire started. Several people were treated for smoke inhalation and a 24-year-old man was arrested.

Progressive Unionist party east Belfast assemblyman David Ervine said racist attacks were unacceptable. 'This alerts us to people who are living in our community who are vulnerable. If there is an underlying sense [of racism] then we need to get on top of it and make it clear that it is wrong.' There have been attacks in the past in east Belfast, with the home of two Zimbabwean women being attacked. Neighbouring south Belfast has also seen racist damage to property.

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