The Iraqi refugees do not want to return to Caia Park

The refugees are among many who have moved away from Wrexham's Caia Park estate after two nights of unrest last week which ended with a mob of around 200 throwing petrol bombs at police.

The disturbances began following friction between a number of Iraqis and local people but police blamed a criminal element for taking advantage of the tension.

Some of the refugees, now living in a secret location with police protection, have told BBC Radio Wales that they want to leave Wrexham permanently because they have experienced too much racism.

Although an impression is being given that Caia Park is a desperate place, it isn't Shan Wilkinson

Ali Hussein Karim is still working at a food factory in Flint but pays �30 a day to go there and back by taxi. He is paid �40 per day.

He blames the local authority for placing him on the Caia Park estate.

He said: "We are Kurdish refugees from Iraq. They have put us with drug takers and people who do not behave well.

"Because they are taking drugs, they have attacked us.

The violence started around the estate's Red Dragon pub

"I am leaving this place because the people are so racist and I don't want to live here."

Wrexham Council is trying to find the group somewhere more permanent to live and is discussing the options with refugee support groups.

Council leader Shan Wilkinson said there was no policy to place refugees specifically on the Caia Park estate - they there put there because it was close to where many of them worked.

"Most wanted to be there," she added.

Ms Wilkinson echoed of the feelings of many Caia Park residents who are said to be are angry that their estate has been labelled racist due to the actions of a minority.

The Kurds are refugees from Iraq

She said: "Although an impression is being given that Caia Park is a desperate place, it isn't.

"There are drug addicts in Caia Park but there are drug addicts everywhere.

"I don't see Caia Park or any other area of Wrexham as a no-go area for anybody.

"The lesson the council must learn is that we must give more support to newcomers in any area."

A total of 74 people have been arrested following the two nights of disturbances last week.

Fifty five people have been charged with offences including violent disorder.