Belfast Race Hate Attacks: PSNI Launches Investigation

The PSNI is actively investigating two separate suspected race hate attacks that occurred in Belfast over the weekend, with arrests made and damages reported.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is currently investigating two separate incidents suspected to be race hate crimes that occurred in Belfast over the weekend. The incidents, which took place in different areas of the city, have raised concerns about racial tensions and prompted a strong response from local authorities.

The first incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Donegall Avenue area. Around 1am, a group of males approached a house, shouting aggressively at the occupants as they left the property. The situation escalated when the group confronted the residents, resulting in injuries to two people and significant damage to the property.

It is believed that a number of weapons may have been used during the attack.

Donegall Avenue Incident: Arrests Made

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed that damage was also caused to a car outside the property. At the time of the incident, a woman and several young children were inside the house.

The PSNI is treating this incident as a racially-motivated hate crime.

Officers responded swiftly to the scene and arrested one man in his 40s and another in his 20s on suspicion of several related offences. Both individuals remain in police custody, assisting with ongoing enquiries. The PSNI has appealed to anyone with information that could aid their investigation to contact them via 101, quoting reference number 101 of 14/06/26.

Ballysillan Incident: Bricks and Fire

In a separate incident in the Ballysillan area of North Belfast, bricks were thrown through the windows of a property at the corner of Leroy Street and Glenbank Place. This incident, which occurred at approximately 4.25am on Sunday morning, is also being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.

The PSNI reported that masonry was thrown through the windows, and the curtains were set alight. Although some damage was caused to the property, thankfully there were no reports of injuries. The PSNI is continuing its enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Political Response and Community Reaction

North Belfast MP John Finucane strongly condemned the incidents, describing them as “disgusting attacks.” He emphasized the importance of standing against racism and urged political leaders to send a clear message that such attacks are unacceptable. Finucane highlighted the impact of these incidents on ethnic minority communities and called for anyone with information to come forward to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

The PSNI’s investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against racial hatred and the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of such acts.