Over 100 Romanians have fled their homes in Belfast in the wake of racist attacks and are being cared for in a church hall.
Around 20 families were helped by police to evacuate their homes in the Lisburn Road area of south Belfast and seek safety.
Police and community leaders have condemned racism in the area which culminated in an attack on an anti-racism rally in the area on Monday night, during which youths hurled bottles and made Nazi salutes.
The families, including a five day old baby, first sought safety in a single house where they thought their number would keep them safe.
But there were so many they did not fit in and a local church offered them the use of the church hall for as long as they need.
Pastor Malcolm Morgan claimed the church had been happy to help, saying: "It is a sad indictment of our society, but hopefully we can show them a different side to Northern Ireland and a caring side to Northern Ireland."
Police patrols have been stepped up in a bid to stop the racist attacks which have continued for four days after festering for months.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman said: "Police in the south Belfast area assisted several organisations in the temporary relocation of a number of families following consultation with community representatives.
"Families moved to a nearby church and they are being cared for by the appropriate agencies."
'Ugly scenes'
Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long urged the south Belfast community to rally round their neighbours following the spate of racist attacks.
Condemning Monday night's trouble at the anti-racist rally she said: "These kind of ugly scenes are totally unacceptable.
A small minority of people have sadly taken away from an event which had been organised by the local community to show solidarity for their Romanian neighbours, and to express their abhorrence at their homes being subjected to racist attacks."
The Alliance Party Lord Mayor and Assembly member said Belfast was growing rich in diversity with people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds making the city their home.
"Each and every citizen has the right to live free from fear and intimidation.
Belfast, and indeed Northern Ireland as a whole, is changing and we are making great strides towards a bright and shared future. We cannot let a small minority of people detract from that, or allow them to drive people from their homes.
I would urge people living in the area to continue to show support for their neighbours and work together to ensure the safety of all living in Belfast," said Ms Long.
Patrols increased
Earlier south Belfast-based PSNI Chief Inspector Robert Murdie said the community should be ashamed of itself for what was happening.
He said: "I feel that we all should be ashamed that such attacks are happening, not just in Belfast but right across Northern Ireland."
Mr Murdie said the number of police patrols had been increased.
"We have to sit down with our communities to appeal to people to give information," he added.
Police are examining video footage from cameras in the area and believe local people are responsible.
"They have not been brought in, they are not organised crime gangs. We certainly recognise the strength of feeling that is out there.
"People are concerned about these attacks and we would certainly welcome people supporting the police and what the police are trying to do," said Mr Murdie
In an earlier incident, two houses inhabited by a Romanian family were targeted in a racist attack.
A gang smashed windows, frightening pregnant women and children in attacks on houses on Belgravia and Wellesley avenues.
Mr Murdie added: "We have been out in strength to try to give reassurance to members of the public who may feel vulnerable at this time."
There have been racist undercurrents in the area since trouble erupted at a World Cup qualifier between Northern Ireland and Poland at Windsor Park in March.
© Press Association