Police investigate ‘racially motivated hate crime’ in west Belfast

By Gráinne Ní Aodha (PA)

Police are investigating a “racially motivated hate crime” in west Belfast.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident in the Divis Street area reported shortly after 1.20pm on Thursday.

It was reported that a man was followed by a male with a dog who subjected him to racial verbal abuse.

“He proceeded to follow him to his home address and continued to be verbally abusive and made threats towards him,” Detective Sergeant McCartan said.

“The suspect then tried to gain entry to the property whilst assaulting the male occupant, and striking him with a metal dog lead.

“He continued to try and enter the property to assault the occupant but eventually fled after a number of other residents intervened.

“The victim subsequently attended hospital for treatment for injuries to his arm.”

The detective sergeant said the “prolonged assault” was being investigated as a racially motivated hate crime.

“An investigation is under way, and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen what happened, or who has any information which could assist us, to contact 101, and quote reference number 839 of 27/03/25.”