Belfast: house targeted in race hate crime
The property's windows were smashed by bricks
Last updated 15th Aug 2024
A house in south Belfast has been targeted in a what police say was a "racially motivated hate crime."
The property in the Lindsay Way area of Donegall Pass had hits windows smashed by bricks.
The PSNI is appealing for information following a report of criminal damage at a house in the Lindsay Way area of Donegall Pass in south Belfast last night (Wednesday.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “At approximately 9.55pm, officers on patrol were flagged down by a member of the public reporting that bricks had been thrown at a house, smashing the front windows.
“Luckily, the resident who was inside at the time wasn’t injured but has been left shaken by their ordeal.
“This type of act is unacceptable and we are treating this as a racially motivated hate crime.
“Enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the attack or to anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist in identifying those responsible, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1636 of 14/08/24.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Meanwhile, SDLP Botanic councillor Gary McKeown branded the attack "deeply disappointing" after what he says was a "few days of relative calm in our city".
"Last week our city sent a message, loud and clear, rejecting racism and hate, with thousands taking to the street to show their solidarity with those impacted by the recent disorder and racist attacks," he added.
“Far too many members of our community are terrified after what has happened recently, and the ongoing pattern of intimidation that has been going on for years. I have spoken to people who are living in fear for their lives and are afraid to leave the house, but incidents like this mean that they aren't even safe in their own homes.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure. Those behind this attack have no support. We need to see clear and unequivocal condemnation of this attack and others like it, with no qualification or excuses."