Torki Al Omare, a Glider bus driver, reported that his family was subjected to consistent abuse before masked youths smashed their windows and caused minor injuries to his children, aged 11, 9, and 7. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is treating the incident at Church Green as a racially motivated hate crime.
The Escalation of Intimidation in Holywood
Mr. Al Omare, who has lived in Northern Ireland for nine years, stated that the violence was not an isolated event. According to his account, he reported alleged abuse and intimidation to the PSNI on at least 16 separate occasions over the last two years. The family faced hostility regarding their religion and skin color, with Mr. Al Omare noting that his wife was physically struck because she wore a hijab.
“They hit my wife because she was wearing a hijab,” Mr. Al Omare told the Irish News. He described being told that his children were not permitted to play within the estate and that his family was unwelcome. Following the attack on Sunday, which his wife, Saja, believes was pre-planned, the family has relocated, with plans to move to West Belfast where Mr. Al Omare stated he feels safer.
Did you know?
The PSNI confirmed a second, connected report of a racially motivated hate crime on the same night. In that incident, windows were smashed and cash was stolen from a separate property.
Official Response and Community Condemnation
The PSNI has publicly condemned the violence, calling the attacks “utterly unacceptable.” A spokesperson for the force stated, “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, regardless of their race or background.” Police inquiries remain ongoing to identify those involved in both the Church Green attack and the secondary incident reported that same evening.
Local political figures have also responded to the incident. Alliance MLA Andrew Muir described the attacks as “repugnant.” Muir emphasized that the violence does not reflect the views of the majority of residents in Holywood, characterizing the town as a “shared and inclusive place.”
Social Media and Anti-Immigration Narratives
The incident gained additional visibility after footage of an altercation between the family and other individuals was circulated on social media platforms. According to reporting, this footage was shared by accounts associated with anti-immigration networks. Mr. Al Omare noted that the ongoing pressure and the final attack have caused his daughter to suffer “severe psychological distress.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the investigation?
The PSNI is actively investigating the incident at Church Green and a connected attack on a second home as racially motivated hate crimes.
Has the family returned to the property?
No. Mr. Al Omare has stated he will not return to the area and is in the process of moving his family to West Belfast.
How many reports were made to police?
Mr. Al Omare reported various incidents of intimidation and abuse to the PSNI at least 16 times over the previous two years.
Have you been affected by issues of intimidation or hate crime in your local area? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or visit our community resources page for information on support services.
Related reading