Police probe arson attack at homeless charity building in West Belfast
A suspected stolen car rammed into the shutters and was set alight
Significant damage has been caused to the Welcome Organisation's premises in West Belfast after a suspected stolen car rammed into the shutters and was set alight.
Police say it’s being treated as arson.
The charity provides services for people affected by homelessness.
A PSNI statement said, “Police are investigating an arson which caused significant damage to a charitable organisation's building in the Townsend Street area of west Belfast.”
“Shortly after midnight today, Tuesday 23rd July, a Volkswagen Golf, which is suspected stolen, was rammed in reverse against the building's shutters and set alight. The driver ran from the scene and entry was not gained to the building. “
“NI Fire and Rescue Service attended to extinguish the fire which has caused significant damage to the inside and outside of this section of the building.”
“An investigation is underway and officers would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 19 23/07/24. Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who would have any dash-cam or CCTV footage of the Townsend Road or wider area around this time to get in contact.”
“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Local MP Paul Maskey said, “I unreservedly condemn last night’s arson attack on the Welcome Centre.”
“This was a reprehensible and disgraceful attack on a centre which provides services to those in need. “
“Thankfully no one was injured in an attack which could have caused serious harm.”
“I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the police.”