Migrant street-fighting in Dungannon sparks racist abuse and Golliwog posts online

Since the story was published in local and national newspapers, posts have appeared on Facebook directed towards the town of Dungannon and its migrant population.

The town is referred to as Dunganistan, followed by calls to deport its foreign nationals.

In another post an image of a golliwog is shown with the comment ‘on the way to Dungannon, no doubt’.

Other users on social media have complained that police never arrest foreign nationals in the town.

The brawls, videos of which appeared on the internet over the past week, have been condemned by members of Dungannon’s migrant community.

UUP councillor Walter Cuddy said members of the East Timorese community living in the town were outraged by the organised brawls.

“There must have been some sort of domestic with them as I can’t see why they are organising these fights,” he said.

“I own a newsagents in the town centre and a number of the East Timor community have been in the shop in recent days and expressed their disgust at what happened.

“They like to keep themselves to themselves but are also very friendly people, and don’t give much hassle.

“That community has been living in Dungannon for quite a few years and are spread throughout the town, and also work in Moy Park. A lot of the kids go to the local schools. They are really annoyed this has happened and the publicity it has attracted.”