White supremacist graffiti that has appeared on the shutters of an East Belfast shop has been condemned.
Concerns have been raised after racist graffiti was found on the shutters of a business on Belmont Road on Wednesday, December 28.
Featuring a racist slogan used by white supremacist groups, it has been condemned for attempting to spread a "dangerous message".
Read more: Thief uses 'picnic table as battering ram' during burglary of East Belfast pet store
There have also been reports of similar graffiti appearing in the Strandtown, Lomond and Westminster Avenue areas.
East Belfast Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn has said that bigotry and racism has no place in East Belfast and has reported it to the council so that it can be removed immediately.
He said: “Bigotry and racism has absolutely no place anywhere in East Belfast, this is a diverse and welcoming community. These symbols have major connotations with white supremacy and racism around the world, where far-right terror groups use this imagery to recruit and spread their dangerous message. I have raised with Belfast City Council with a view to having this disgusting racism removed immediately.”
Police have said they are aware of reports of racist graffiti in the Belmont Road area.
Inspector Cunningham said: “Racist graffiti is believed to have been spray-painted onto an outside wall sometime between December 24 and this morning and we are also aware of other reports of similar graffiti in locations in the east Belfast area.
“We are treating this criminal damage as a hate crime and are appealing to anyone who might have information which may assist our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting 652 28/12/22.
“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
READ NEXT:
- PSNI launch murder probe after 58-year-old killed in 'beyond reckless' shooting
- Teenage girl allegedly assaulted by 'man armed with a bat'
- Pensioner in her 70s robbed in East Belfast after distraction burglary
- Police name man who died in Maghera crash
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
