Belfast Multicultural Association targeted in race-hate arson attack

By Q Radio News

The Belfast Multicultural Centre has been the target of a race hate crime for the second time since January last year. 

Detectives believe a fire in the building on Donegal Pass this morning at about 1.20 am was an arson attack. 

It's the second time the community centre has been targeted in this way and police say they've launched a major investigation into the attack. 

Superintendent Gerard Pollock said: “Police were made aware of a fire at the building at around 1.20am this morning.  Officers attended along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.

“This is the second fire at this location since January 2021 and we have therefore commenced a major investigation led by detectives based at Musgrave Police station. Police are treating the fire as suspected arson at this time and a hate crime.

“I would appeal to anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area late last night or early this morning to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 70 08/04/22. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

“Officers remain however, working at the scene with specialist fire investigators to determine the cause of the fire.”