Indian Youth Attacked Amid Anti-Immigrant Protests in Northern Ireland

Amid escalating anti-immigrant protests in Belfast, a group of young Indian workers in Northern Ireland were violently assaulted near the tourist town of Portrush. The incident occurred on Saturday night while the youths, employed at a local restaurant, were returning home after work.

Police have withheld the identities of the victims for security reasons. In a statement on social media, authorities appealed for witnesses to the assault, which took place on Coleraine Ballycastle Road. Officers rushed to the scene after being alerted by the victims and moved them to safety. Their employer later arranged for their admission to hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the victims, the attack was carried out by a group of more than five men in their twenties who emerged from a nearby pub after drinking. The assailants allegedly asked, “Where are you from?” before shouting “Go home!” and launching the assault. One victim was struck on the head and beaten after collapsing, while another was pushed to the ground and repeatedly kicked.

Police have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the attackers.

The assault comes against the backdrop of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment across the UK. In recent weeks, protests in London have spilled over into Northern Ireland, with several unreported incidents of violence targeting migrant communities. Just last month, cars belonging to Indian residents in Antrim were vandalised with black paint and daubed with the names of anti-immigrant political groups.

In response, Indian community organisations and senior leaders in Northern Ireland have appealed for restraint. They urged migrants to avoid activities that might provoke local resentment, such as large public gatherings or celebrations, and stressed the importance of using shared facilities, including car parks, with caution and mutual respect.