Mrs Long was speaking after three properties were attacked late yesterday (Sunday). Windows were smashed by bricks in two homes in Strandburn Park and one in Victoria Avenue, both in the Sydenham area, within 15 minutes of each other. No-one was injured in the attacks.
Mrs Long said such intimidation had no place in our society.
“Sydenham, like many areas in East Belfast, has a growing ethnic minority community. They are part of the local community and I utterly condemn attacks on them or any attempt to intimidate them, as would the vast majority of people who live in the area.
“Violence and prejudice have no place in a peaceful and stable society. Respect must be shown to everyone regardless of background.
“I would urge anyone with information on those that carried out these attacks to contact police immediately.”