A Portuguese national was subjected a tirade of racial abuse after his Portadown home was targeted earlier this evening (Thursday), according to one local resident.
The unsavoury incident, which allegedly saw bottles thrown at the man’s home, took place in the Churchill Park area of the town shortly after 5pm.
According to the resident, the alleged victim was in a state of shock, and was crying as police made an arrest, all the while the man continued to hurl abuse.
It is believed the victim, who is “a lovely wee man”, has suffered abuse for a long time but this was an apparent escalation of abuse – with his property attacked this time.
It is understood the Housing Executive have been out and helped the gentleman in question.
The resident said the behaviour exhibit by the alleged culprit was “a disgrace” and that “there is absolutely no room for racism here or anywhere else”.
Residents have rallied behind the man and have offered help.
Police have confirmed the arrest of a 34-year-old on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
He is currently in police custody and enquiries are continuing.
Meanwhile, in a separate and unrelated episode in the area, police have made an appeal for any information in relation to another criminal damage incident whereby windows of a property were smashed sometime between Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1.
If you have any information please contact 101 ref serial 376 of 03/03/25.
