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Window smashed at Armagh home of Syrian family in second attack in three days

Graffiti Armagh

A window was smashed at the Armagh home of a Syrian family in the second attack in three days.

The incident in the Alexander Avenue area of the city was the second “hate crime” on the same family home in less than 72 hours.

The first attack saw graffiti with the words ‘locals only’ sprayed over the walls of the family home.

The latest incident happened in the early hours of this morning (Monday).

Alliance representative Jackie Coade, who has been liaising with the family, said they are “very distressed”.

“I am appealing to whoever is doing this to please stop,” she said.

“This family is traumatised enough. Please leave them alone. Whatever misplaced anger they have about lack of housing has nothing to do with this family.

“They are in this country because they have had to flee their own. If the person or people want to discuss the current housing situation or are in need of advice, I am always happy to help, but please leave this family alone. They have done nothing wrong.”

Meanwhile police in Armagh are appealing for information following the incidents.

Inspector McCullough said: “At around 1.40am today (Monday) it was reported that windows were broken at the home in Alexander Avenue.

“A male described at 5’5 stocky build wearing a grey/white hooded top was seen at the property.

“This address had been targeted two days earlier with graffiti.

“These incidents are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact police in Armagh Station on 101, quoting reference number 81 of 12/08/19.”

“Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime

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