Expats keep out of way of Sydney violence

A New Zealander who has felt the brunt of unrest in Sydney's southeast suburbs fears the violence could worsen.

Former Aucklander Darian said the alcohol-fuelled weekend violence came as no surprise to him.

Six weeks ago the 35-year-old was walking home when he was set on by a group of Lebanese men. He was badly beaten, needed stitches in his forehead and took several weeks off work.

Since his attack Darian has become more aware of the growing racial tension as police seem unable to deal with crimes committed by residents from the Middle East.

"It's really no surprise to me at all that this has happened. It just seemed inevitable that something was going to happen soon ... I didn't realise it was going to happen as quickly as it has."

Darian said the weekend's revenge attacks had increased his concern about going out on the streets.

"I don't go out much any more, especially at night and with all the stuff that's going on now. It's pretty terrifying to think it's going on at your door."

He is now considering leaving the area for his own safety.

Other expatriate New Zealanders are sticking clear of local beaches. Former Timaru woman Michelle Watson said: "I'm only five minutes from Cronulla but it's stopping me from going there because you just don't want to get caught up in it."

Ms Watson's flatmate Katie Booker, also from Timaru, said she was concerned about catching the train to work for the same reason.

"The people fighting just don't care who they target."

Ms Booker said one man was stabbed in the back while walking along the footpath with some female friends. The women were threatened with rape.

"This guy had nothing to do with it, he was just walking and he got stabbed."

Emma-Kate Greer said only a small percentage of the population agreed with the violence, despite thousands gathering at the beach.

She said she would not be put off by the attacks.