PSNI treat aggravated burglary in west Belfast as motivated hate crime

Police are treating an aggravated burglary in west Belfast as a motivated hate crime.

Officers say it was reported yesterday afternoon that a man was followed by another male with a dog in the Divis Street area, who subjected him to racial verbal abuse.

He proceeded to follow him to his home address, continuing to verbally abuse and threaten him.

The victim has injuries to his arm after being attacked by the suspect's metal dog lead as he tried to gain entry to his property.

Detective Sergeant McCartan said: “Shortly after 1.20pm, it was reported that a man was followed by another male with a dog in the Divis Street area, who subjected him to racial verbal abuse.

“He proceeded to follow him to his home address and continued to be verbally abusive and made threats towards him.

“The suspect then tried to gain entry to the property whilst assaulting the male occupant, and striking him with a metal dog lead.

“He continued to try and enter the property to assault the occupant, but eventually fled after a number of other residents intervened.

“The victim subsequently attended hospital for treatment for injuries to his arm.”

Detective Sergeant McCartan continued: “This was a prolonged assault, and we are treating it as a racially motivated hate crime at this stage.

“An investigation is underway, and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen what happened, or who has any information which could assist us, to contact 101, and quote reference number 839 of 27/03/25.”

Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.