Lo concerned by spate of hate crimes in South Belfast

Alliance South Belfast MLA, Anna Lo, has condemned those behind three hate crimes that have taken place in South Belfast in recent days. On Tuesday, a petrol bomb was thrown at a house on Ebor Street, it did not ignite but did break the outer window pane. A mother and her baby were in the house at the time.

On Monday, three windows were smashed at a property on Monarch Parade and graffiti was daubed on the front door. On Sunday, two windows were smashed at a house on Lower Rockview Street and graffiti was daubed on the property. Nobody is currently in the house but new tenants were due to move in.

Anna Lo MLA said: “I am deeply concerned at this spate of hate crimes in recent days in South Belfast. It is very alarming that there are people who believe it is acceptable to carry out such attacks.

“These incidents show the importance of a fully implemented and resourced Racial Equality Strategy. I hope the First and deputy First Ministers will look to radically improve their draft strategy if we are to eradicate racism.

“Those responsible for these crimes are trying to intimidate and create fear in the community, but they do not speak for the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland who are opposed to these types of incidents. I would urge anybody with any information about these attacks to contact the Police.”

ENDS