THE North West Migrants Forum has offered its support to families in Ballykelly following a racist attack on their homes.
Graffiti was painted on three homes in Fort Drive and Forest Drive in the village between 3am and 4am on Tuesday.
Police are treating it as a hate crime.
Speaking following the incident, the North West Migrants Forum’s Chief Executive Lilian Seenoi Barr said there was widespread shock that the incident had occurred in an area known to be quiet and welcoming.
“Any of our members who have lived in Ballykelly have always spoken of it in glowing terms, as a place where they felt safe and where the ugly spectre of racism never raised its head.
“The graffiti that has appeared in recent days was almost certainly the work of a few misguided individuals and we have no doubt that the unpleasant sentiment expressed is not the view of the wider community.
“Nonetheless it has left families, including a pensioner living on her own, severely traumatised and concerned for their safety.
“We at the North West Migrants Forum have this morning made contact with the PSNI to ask them to pass on our thoughts to those targeted and to let them know that we stand ready to support them in any way we can.
“Our Integration and Welfare Officer Gaelle can be reached on 07842445827, by email at g.gormley@nwmf.org.uk or we can be contacted via all the main social media channels.”