03/10/2024

Two Arrested In Belfast Hate Crime Incident

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a racially motivated hate crime that occurred in south Belfast on Tuesday, October 1st.

According to Chief Inspector Mark Conway, Area Commander for south Belfast, police responded to a report of a disturbance at a business in the Donegall Place area. It was alleged that a man had used racially abusive language towards a staff member, and that both he and a woman accompanying him had behaved in a threatening and aggressive manner.

The suspects fled the scene but were apprehended a short time later by police officers in the Fountain Street area. A 22-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of disorderly behavior. While the woman was released from custody after questioning, the man remains in police custody.
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The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Chief Inspector Mark Conway, Area Commander for south Belfast said: "All racially-motivated hate crimes are treated seriously and we investigate every report we receive as we seek to ensure that those responsible are held to account for their actions.

"We will do everything we can as a Police Service to ensure that everyone, no matter what their background, feels safe in their community, free from the fear of attacks motivated by hate.

"I would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to us by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/mak

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