Plaque unveiled in memory of ‘peaceful family man’

Simon Tang died after he was brutally attacked and robbed outside his take-away business at Woodburn Road in 1996.

In 2012, police initiated a fresh appeal for information about the racist crime and the extended Tang family launched, via Facebook, a campaign to raise a reward for anyone who could provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of Simon’s murderers.

However, despite a lengthy reinvestigation, no-one was convicted.

In a Facebook post on September 16, campaign organisers explained: “Last week Simon’s widow Betty and sons Kevin and Colin unveiled a plaque in his memory, which can be viewed by visitors to the Chinese Welfare Association, Belfast.

“The plaque was commissioned by Chinese Welfare Association following Betty’s decision to donate the money (£787) raised in the appeal to the charity as thanks for its support throughout the reinvestigation into Simon’s murder.”

The money was not issued as part of a reward because no one has been convicted, the post added. “The plaque serves as a quiet reminder of an unassuming, hardworking and peaceful family man. The unveiling event last week from the family’s perspective also completes the circle on a process that began over four years ago when the PSNI chose to reinvestigate.

“The family thank all those who have supported the appeal in anyway over the last four years and for the sensitivity towards the emotional wounds that have been reopened throughout the process.

“May Simon’s memory be left again to rest in peace as his loved ones continue on with their lives as best they can as Simon surely would’ve wished.”