Care staff at a Ballyclare home support provider were threatened and intimidated during recent disorder, forcing the company to suspend some visits, a visiting Stormont minister was told.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Ulster Unionist colleague Dr Steve Aiken visited SupportCare and the Ethnic Minority Healthcare Workers Advice Hub in the town. They heard that on the evening of Thursday 11 June, safety concerns prevented SupportCare from delivering services.

SupportCare, which has more than 150 staff and serves over 500 clients across South Antrim, employs people who are all legally in Northern Ireland working for the NHS. During the disorder, these workers faced verbal abuse and intimidation while doing their jobs.

The disorder followed protests over the stabbing of a man in north Belfast on 8 June. Dr Aiken said it was unacceptable that staff, who work around the clock, were targeted.

He praised the work of the advice hub, run by a nurse named Sharon who has served the community for over 20 years. The hub supports legal migrants who work in health and social care.

Dr Aiken said people who come here legally, work hard, and care for loved ones deserve gratitude and respect, and should never face abuse or violence.