Red-headed family forced to move after 'ginger' hate campaign

Kevin and Barbara Chapman say they and their four young children have already moved twice to avoid the taunts but at each address have been subjected to attacks.

Their windows have been smashed, the walls daubed with graffiti and their children physically assaulted in the street by other youths.

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In the latest incident the family returned to their third home in Newcastle upon Tyne to find the words "ginger is gay" painted on the outside of the property.

Even as the family, all of whom have red hair, discussed a move with social workers, their windows were smashed.

They are now waiting for the city council to find them yet another home.

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"It started more than three years ago, when the kids started getting bullied by lads over the colour of their hair," said 49-year-old Mr Chapman.

"They've been punched and kicked and thrown over a hedge. Every time they go out these gangs get to them.

"We can't even go to the local shops which are only two minutes away. The kids get all their stuff taken off them.

"Having ginger hair, you expect people to have a bit of fun, but this is just unbelievable." Scroll down for more...

Mr Chapman reported the incidents to police but the abuse has become so bad that one son, Kevin Jnr, 11, is now being taught at home.

Mr Chapman says the boy has even tried to commit suicide. "Kevin's never even seen life yet and he's been driven to this," said the unemployed father.

"Some of the bullying is about branded trainers and clothes. I buy them what I can but truthfully the kids don't mind whether they have something with a name on."

The Chapmans, who have a ten-year-old daughter Ryelle, and sons Daniel, ten, and Jordon, 13, first moved from Walker to Newbiggin Hall to escape the prejudice.

They were forced to move again a year ago to Kenton Bar. Within weeks they were once again subjected to abuse.

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"There seem to be around ten or 12 families who have relations in the different areas we have been," said Mr Chapman. "Word seems to get around and it starts again."

The children have changed schools three times in the last two years. "Every time we make new friends we end up getting bullied whenever we leave the house," said Ryelle.

Mrs Chapman, 44, said: "Wherever they go they get called "ginger nut, ginger bastard, ginger c***", it's disgusting."

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: "We will do all we can to help the family."