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Police are investigating an incident in the Chancellors Road area of Newry on 12 April where a group of international health workers, believed to be working at Daisy Hill Hospital, reported that racist language was used against them.
A police spokesperson said "Police in Newry received a number of reports after a social media post was uploaded following the alleged verbal altercation in the Chancellors Road area on Saturday 12th April.
"During the incident in the park it was reported that racist language was used against a group of international health workers."
The spokesperson concluded "Police are currently looking into both the exchange in the park and the content of the online post to establish if any criminal offences have been committed. Officers are liaising with all of the individuals involved as well as relevant local agencies, in order to progress their enquiries."
Commenting on the news Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes said “This is absolutely disgraceful and disgusting behaviour. It has no place in today’s society.
“This is repulsive behaviour that is in no way representative of the people of Newry. There is no place in society for racism or racist acts.
“The people of our community welcome and champion diversity in all its forms, and the huge positives it brings.”
Continuing, Mr Hughes said: “We have worked hard locally to promote and protect services at Daisy Hill Hospital. The recruitment of vital international health workers was a key component in securing services at our local hospital and providing the best quality local healthcare.
“Up to 70 doctors and specialised nurses were recruited to local hospitals. Their commitment and contribution to local healthcare is supreme. These people and their families have uprooted their lives to provide essential services for the people of Newry and Armagh, and further afield.
“The overwhelming majority of people in our community welcome these people and their families, and recognise the immense contribution they make to local healthcare and wider society. The repulsive actions of a few racists will not change that, but their despicable actions have caused fear and anxiety.”
Speaking of other racially motivated incidents which have taken place in our city Mr Hughes added “We all must redouble our efforts to stamp out these warped behaviours from our streets and continue to stand in solidarity with anyone facing odious and repulsive racism.”
“Anyone with any information about this specific incident, or indeed any such assaults, should contact the PSNI”
