Investigation Launches After Two Racially-Motivated Incidents In South Belfast

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following two racially-motivated incidents in the south Belfast area on Friday, 31 May.

Police received two reports of groups of people, including children, shouting racial abuse. The first report was made at around 7.20pm in the Benburb Street area, where a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour. He has since been released on bail, to allow for further police enquiries.

The second report was received just before 11.15pm in the Donegall Road area, where a man aged in his 20s, was reportedly verbally racially abused by a man and a group of children. The victim was tripped up by the group and fell, sustaining minor injuries.

South Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: "We are investigating both of these incidents and would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact Police."

Chief Inspector Mark is appealing to the local community for information and support following the incidents.

He said: "No one should feel at risk due to their ethnicity and officers will continue to pursue those who commit such offences and we are stepping up proactive patrols in the area. "It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that we live in a society where diversity is respected and people feel safe. There were groups of young people involved in incidents on Friday evening. I am, therefore, appealing directly to parents in the area – do you know where your children are and who they are with? Please talk to them to discourage this type of behaviour and ensure that they know in no uncertain terms that such behaviour is wrong. This guidance could well be the thing that prevents them from ending up with a criminal record which may impact upon their future education, employment and travel prospects.

"Hate crime continues to be a priority for your local policing team. We would also ask that anyone who has been the victim of a hate crime, or whose quality of life is being affected due to racially-motivated anti-social behaviour, to come to us for help and support.

"We encourage anyone who has any information on these incidents to contact Police on 101, quoting reference number 1596 of 31/05/24."

You can also report online at www.psni.police.uk/report, or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/