Terese Westman, spokesperson for the local police force in Tierp, Uppsala County, spoke to the regional newspaper, Upsala Nya Tidning [UNT], confirming that they had received complaints from refugees about their treatment.
Westman also informed the paper that locals in turn claimed that refugees had thrown stones at them and issued threats, and that an investigation is underway into the incident.
"Our municipal police officers arrived at the scene of the crime and intervened," said Westman, who added that the police force is considering increasing its presence in the local area in order to discourage further attacks.
Newly appointed Anders Pettersson, who lives in Tarnsjo, where the alleged attack happened, told the newspaper last week that he and the police were hoping to organize an information meeting for the public, which would also be attended by the refugees.
"It is obviously tragic and unacceptable, that they throw stones, damage property and make threats. This is firstly a matter for the police, but in the longer term, the municipal authorities must cooperate with all the possible positive forces to counter such tendencies with good integration," commented municipal official Peter Lund.
