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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Nadia Breen

Belfast Multi-Cultural Association: Second fire being treated as 'suspected arson' and a 'hate crime'

Police are treating a fire at Belfast Multi-Cultural Association early on Friday as 'suspected arson' and a 'hate crime'.

It is the second fire at the centre since January 2021, with a major investigation now launched.

The 'suspicious fire' happened at the building on Donegall Pass, South Belfast, during the early hours of Friday, April 8.

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A spokesperson for the association said: "The roof reparation was completed on Wednesday, but last night we had a SECOND attack on the building.

"Our hopes and dreams went in flames yet again.

"At present we are not looking to speak to the media or any politicians. We don’t have the words."

The Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building on Friday (Matt Mackey/PressEye)

PSNI 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.

Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building (Matt Mackey/PressEye)



“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.”

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson added: "Firefighters were called to a fire at a building on Donegal Pass, Belfast at 1.10am this morning. At the height of the incident 6 Fire Appliances, Command Support and an Aerial Appliance attended the incident.

"Approximately 30 Firefighters were involved in the operation. 10 Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, used 4 jets to extinguish the fire. The rapid response from Firefighters ensured that the fire was contained and prevented the spread to the remainder building. The incident was dealt with by 3.40am and the cause of the fire was deliberate."

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