Attack on Romanian men condemned

Elected representatives have condemned a vicious attack on a group of five Romanian men after a gang of men forced their way into a property in Monkstown.
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A number of males forced their way into a property in the Hollybank Drive area at around 8:20pm yesterday and assaulted the occupants.

The victims sustained a number of injuries and one man had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Condemning those behind the attack, UUP representative, Cllr Stephen McCarthy said: “I wholeheartedly condemn this attack. I am sure the five individuals are devastated and their neighbours terrified by this.

The scene on  Hollybank Drive in Newtownabbey where five men were attacked by a gang at the house on Sunday evening.  Police are treating it as a hate crime. 

Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeThe scene on  Hollybank Drive in Newtownabbey where five men were attacked by a gang at the house on Sunday evening.  Police are treating it as a hate crime. 

Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The scene on Hollybank Drive in Newtownabbey where five men were attacked by a gang at the house on Sunday evening. Police are treating it as a hate crime. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

“This is not the image that the good people of Monkstown want their community to be known for.”

Urging anyone with information to contact the police, Glengormley SDLP representative, Cllr Noreen McClelland said: “Under no uncertain terms can such a brutal attack be justified. There is no place for violence in our society, and those who are responsible for this assault must face the full force of the law.

“I would appeal to anyone with information relating to the attack to contact police on 101. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800555111.”

Echoing these sentiments, Alliance representative, Ald Tom Campbell said: “This incident was absolutely disgusting and must have been absolutely terrifying for the victims.

The scene on  Hollybank Drive in Newtownabbey where five men were attacked by a gang at the house on Sunday evening.  Police are treating it as a hate crime. 

Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeThe scene on  Hollybank Drive in Newtownabbey where five men were attacked by a gang at the house on Sunday evening.  Police are treating it as a hate crime. 

Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The scene on Hollybank Drive in Newtownabbey where five men were attacked by a gang at the house on Sunday evening. Police are treating it as a hate crime. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

“My thoughts are with them, as will the thoughts of people in the area, who will rightly be shocked by this heinous crime. I wish the man injured a speedy recovery.

“Everyone has the right to live or visit here without fear, and I would urge anyone with information on this serious assault to contact police with it immediately so those behind it can be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

Sinn Féin representative, Cllr Michael Goodman said: “I strongly condemn what is believed to be a hate crime against five men who were attacked with baseball bats in Hollybank Drive.

“There can be no place for racism or any other forms of discrimination in our society.

“I would urge anyone with information on this incident to bring it forward to the PSNI.”