North-East refugee charities close over security fears

Refugee charities are offering support to migrants while taking steps to keep them safe during the current unrest.

Some organisations and companies with the words “immigration” or “asylum” in their names have said they are concerned about rumours they could be targeted.

A Newcastle lawyer said he had closed his office, while a charity in the north-east of England had temporarily closed its doors and cancelled planned events for asylum seekers.

“We don’t want to put anyone at any additional risk,” said one employee of the organization.

The charity, which asked not to be named, said volunteers had been racially abused on public transport.

They had visited a Newcastle hotel housing asylum seekers to hand out leaflets with advice on how to stay safe.

“People are afraid,” the worker said.

“But we also saw some police presence, which is reassuring.”

Another refugee charity operating in Sunderland said people using its services were “terrified” following the unrest.

The organization had tried to hold an event for the children, but worried families had refrained.

Of the 20 children registered for the event, only one showed up.

However, another refugee charity in Northumberland said migrants were reassured by the support they were receiving from the police.

The association’s secretary, who the BBC has not named for security reasons, said police officers who worked during Friday’s riots in Sunderland had returned to speak to the community on Saturday.

He said the level of police support was something asylum seekers may not have received in their home countries.

“People come from situations where the police don’t operate like that,” he said.

“Having the police very firmly on your side is a good experience.”

The unrest and abuse “reminds people of their experiences in other countries and on their way to England,” he added.

However, the association said most people knew the riots were carried out by a minority and not by “ordinary, decent people they meet in their daily lives”.

A Home Office spokesperson said all asylum seeker accommodation sites had security staff and it was continually reviewing their security with providers.

Northumbria Police Deputy Chief Constable Andrew Hill said: “We know there will be members of the community who are feeling scared and marginalised at this time.

“We are here for you and we are committed to keeping you safe.”

ACC Hill said a number of people had been arrested following disturbances in Sunderland last week and those found guilty “were likely to receive significant sentences”.

“This should serve as a warning to anyone intent on causing further trouble: you will face the full force of the law.”