PSNI probe suspected arson at Belfast Multi-Cultural Association Centre
A SECOND fire at a multi-cultural centre in Belfast is the subject of a PSNI investigation.
Reports of a fire were received at 01:20BST on Friday morning at the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in Donegal Pass in the south of the city.
It is the second time the building has been damaged by a serious blaze after a fire broke out there in January, 2021. Police are treating the incident as a suspected arson and hate crime.
The PSNI have appealed for anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
In last year's attack the building's roof was badly-damaged. After that blaze, supporters raised more than £60,000 for repairs.
Superintendent Gerard Pollock said: "Police were made aware of a fire at the building at around 1.20am this morning.
"Officers attended along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.
"This is the second fire at this location since January 2021 and we have therefore commenced a major investigation led by detectives based at Musgrave Police station.
"Police are treating the fire as suspected arson at this time and a hate crime."
Mr Pollock continued: "I would appeal to anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area late last night or early this morning to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 70 08/04/22.