A migrant family has been intimidated out of a loyalist estate in Co Armagh.

The family from the Middle East was forced out of their home on Saturday after a litany of intimidation by a gang of young thugs, some reported to be as young as 10.

It happened in Portadown’s Killicomaine estate where their landlady described the family as “hard-working, who pay their rent on time and keep the house and garden in pristine condition”.

She added: “It really is a disgrace. The family originally loved the area, but they have suffered long-term intimidation and they have had enough. They have had windows broken, eggs thrown at the house and been subjected to racist insults.

“They cried as they left the area and it was heart-rending. I’ll miss them, for they were superb tenants — valuable members of society who should be left alone to get on with their lives.”

The same house was the target of a racist attack three years ago when two Filipino nurses were hounded out by young thugs after having their front windows smashed during the night.

The landlady, who did not wish to be named, said: “They worked at Craigavon Area Hospital which would find it difficult to operate without foreign nurses. I have spoken to the local residents’ association and they are mounting a campaign to eliminate this vile intimidation.”

Meanwhile, former Craigavon Mayor Robert Smith and his brother Stephen — who works for the large migrant population in Portadown — have added their weight to the campaign.

Robert said: “It is totally unacceptable. These migrants are here totally within the law and have the same rights as everyone else. It’s difficult enough for them to settle in a foreign country without this type of mindless intimidation and it will have to stop.

“I will be bringing the issue up at the next meeting of Craigavon Borough Council, and Stephen and I will be meeting to map a way forward. Portadown, despite the industrial downturn, isn’t doing too badly and migrants are helping to keep the wheels of industry turning.”