Belfast: PSNI probing race-hate arson attack

Police today (Tuesday) branded an arson attack in south Belfast a "racially-motivated hate crime."

A motorcycle and car were set on fire outside a property in the Frenchpark Street area last night.

Guttering and two windows of the house were burned in the process.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Just after 11pm, we were contacted by a member of the public who reported that a vehicle was on fire in the Frenchpark Street area.

"There were fears that this could spread to a nearby house.

"It is believed that there were two seats of fire. One had been set on a motorcycle outside the living room window of the property, destroying the vehicle and burning two windows and guttering. The second fire was set underneath a car, causing damage to the wheels and engine bay.

"Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that the fires were set deliberately. We are treating this as arson with intent to endanger life, with a racial hate motivation.

"We are grateful that those present in the property were uninjured, though we are very aware that we could potentially have been dealing with much more serious consequences this morning.”

Detective Inspector Angus continued: "There is no place in our society for such behaviour. We will be tireless in our pursuit of those responsible for this, and any other, hate crime.

Chief Inspector Mark Conway, area commander for south Belfast, added: “Everyone, no matter what their background, has the right to feel safe in their home.

“The Police Service are treating this incident exceptionally seriously. Local officers are working with our Criminal Investigations Department colleagues to identify the perpetrators of this incident, so that those responsible are held to account for their actions. I would appeal directly to the south Belfast community – do not let these criminals hide amongst us.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have relevant information, including dash-cam or other footage, should contact us on 101, quoting reference 1672 19/08/24.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has slammed those behind an arson attack in south Belfast on Monday night which police are treating as a racially-motivated hate crime.

The South Belfast MLA said: “Last night’s racist arson attack was absolutely appalling and disgusting.

“Thankfully no one was injured, although we could have been talking about a much more serious incident with the potential loss of life.

“This attack was unprovoked, it was reprehensible and it is not reflective of the majority of our community who embrace and welcome the huge positives of diversity in our society.

“Racism and hate is wrong in all of its forms and it must be rejected and stopped now.”