'I was minding my own business when someone shouted 'stop the boats' at me'

IT HAS been three years since I came to Wales as an immigrant, and I love it with all my heart.

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That is exactly why it hurt all the more when I was racially heckled again, this time outside of a train station.

I wish I could say that it was the first time something like this happened, but about a year ago I was left effectively homeless when a landlord said they didn't want people who look like me living at their property.

I have written at length about my experience in Wales and some of the racism that has been thrown my way, but never have I felt such genuine fear as I felt on this occasion.

I live in Swansea and have been living there for nearly a year. Due to the nature of my work, I often come and go from the train station at odd hours.

But in this year of living in the city, I have never felt unsafe. Swansea is my home - how can someone feel unsafe at their own home?

Last Sunday night, I followed my usual routine; got off a train from Cardiff, booked a cab and stood at Mariner Street, waiting for it to arrive like I have done hundreds of times.

However, this time was different. A group of four to five men came just after me.

I could tell they were drunk, so I maintained my distance. Then one of the men raised his arm and pointed a finger at me for a few seconds.

Before I knew it, there were barely 10 feet between us and he shouted: "Hey you, stop the boats!"

I froze. I couldn't hear anything past his laughter, and then more came as his friends joined in.

At that time, even though the whole ordeal lasted less than a minute, a wave of fear swept through me and I thought of everything that could go wrong.

Should I say anything? What if they attack? There are so many of them, will I even survive?

I have been heckled before. I have been told "go back to your country" before, but never alone, and never on a street at 9.30pm.