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Red-haired family forced to move | Red-haired family forced to move |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A Newcastle family claim they have been forced from two homes by thugs who have targeted them over their ginger hair. | A Newcastle family claim they have been forced from two homes by thugs who have targeted them over their ginger hair. |
Kevin and Barbara Chapman say they and their four children, aged between 10 and 13, have endured years of taunts, smashed windows and violence. | Kevin and Barbara Chapman say they and their four children, aged between 10 and 13, have endured years of taunts, smashed windows and violence. |
They said they moved from Walker to Newbiggin Hall to try to escape the bullying, and then again to Kenton Bar. | They said they moved from Walker to Newbiggin Hall to try to escape the bullying, and then again to Kenton Bar. |
Son Kevin, 11, said he was recently punched in a street attack. Newcastle Council is "discussing the situation". | |
Mr Chapman, 49, said his 10-year-old daughter Ryelle and sons Daniel, 10, and Jordan, 13, have also been badly affected. | |
He said each time the family received abuse they moved home. | He said each time the family received abuse they moved home. |
They've been punched and kicked and thrown over a hedge Father Kevin Chapman | They've been punched and kicked and thrown over a hedge Father Kevin Chapman |
The family also say they have endured their homes being daubed in graffiti. | The family also say they have endured their homes being daubed in graffiti. |
Mr Chapman said: "The abuse we get is unbelievable. It started more than three years ago, when the kids started getting bullied by lads over the colour of their hair. | Mr Chapman said: "The abuse we get is unbelievable. It started more than three years ago, when the kids started getting bullied by lads over the colour of their hair. |
"They've been punched and kicked and thrown over a hedge. Every time they go out these gangs get to them." | "They've been punched and kicked and thrown over a hedge. Every time they go out these gangs get to them." |
He added that the family now wanted to move again. | He added that the family now wanted to move again. |
Community police officer Sergeant Colin Murray, of Northumbria Police, said there had been a number of incidents all of which had been fully investigated. | Community police officer Sergeant Colin Murray, of Northumbria Police, said there had been a number of incidents all of which had been fully investigated. |
Commenting on the matter, a Newcastle City Council spokesman said: "We are currently discussing their situation." | Commenting on the matter, a Newcastle City Council spokesman said: "We are currently discussing their situation." |
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