Justice Minister Long urges people to "do more" following racist attacks
Police say there is no place for intimidating behaviour in our society.
Last updated 1st Sep 2025
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister has urged others to "do more" in the aftermath of a spate of racially motivated attacks on homes.
Naomi Long was speaking as police investigate racially motivated criminal damage on three houses in the Manor Street and Summerhill Court areas of north Belfast.
Police say there is no place for intimidating behaviour in our society.
Chief Inspector Mullan said: “Shortly after 11:05pm, it was reported that graffiti was painted on a house in the Manor Street area. As well as a number of windows smashed at the property, a car parked nearby was also damaged during the incident. Another property in the Manor Street area had graffiti painted on it.
“A vacant property located in the Summerhill Court area of North Belfast was also damaged. Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, police are investigating a potential link between all three incident.
“There is no place in our society for this type of intimidating behaviour and we will continue to engage with local representatives and partner agencies around community safety."
We would appeal to anyone who noticed anything suspicious, or who may have relevant doorbell camera, CCTV, or other footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1948 28/08/25. Reports can also be made online at https://www.psni.police.uk/ report or in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
It comes as attacks on Catholic and ethnic minority families in north Belfast have been branded has horrifying and unjustifiable by local representatives.
Homes were targeted in the Oldpark area of the city over the weekend.
Carál Ní Chuilín is Sinn Fein's North Belfast MLA, she told Downtown/Cool FM attacks like these "should never be excused" and should "be condemned by everyone."
Meanwhile police are investigating an attack on a house in the Killaughey Road area of Donaghadee on Saturday during which a window was smashed and graffiti daubed on a wall. It is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.