'I just don't feel safe'

PROTESTS MEANT DAY FULL OF FEAR

- By SOPHIE DOUGHTY

UKIP supporters march from the Newcastle Quayside to the city centre calling for 'mass deportations now'

SOME claimed it was about patriotism, others free speech, but for one Newcastle businesswoman Saturday's anti-immigration protest brought nothing but fear and intimidation to the city where she lives and works.

Hundreds took to the streets last weekend to voice their views while waving England and Union flags.

The demonstration, organised by supporters of UKIP, turned what should have been a normal day at work for nail technician Hilda Teh into a nightmare, which made her question whether she should leave the city that has been her home for almost 20 years.

Now the 42-year-old, from Malaysia, has lifted the lid on what the recent display of hostility towards people from other countries that has swept the UK is really like for immigrants who have built lives here.

Hilda said: "I'm not from here and I want to go home. My husband is from Newcastle, it's been home for a long time, but I just don't feel safe now."