Police Appeal After Racially Motivated Hate Crime in Ballysillan

An investigation has been launched following an attack on a home in our local Ballysillan community, which police are treating as a racially motivated hate crime. In the early hours of Sunday, 14th June, around 4:25 AM, masonry was thrown through the front windows of a property in the Glenbank Place and Leroy Street area. An attempt was then made to set the home's curtains alight, though thankfully they failed to ignite.

While the property sustained damage, there were fortunately no reports of any injuries. Police have linked the incident to wider racial unrest and heightened tensions across Northern Ireland over the weekend, following a recent stabbing incident in the Girdwood district of Belfast.

Detective Sergeant Stevenson confirmed that enquiries are actively ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the attack. He urged anyone with information, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area around 4:00 AM on Sunday, to come forward immediately.

As a community, North Belfast stands united against hate and violence. If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact police on 101, quoting reference number 314 of 14/06/26. You can also provide information 100% anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website online. Let's work together to keep our neighborhoods safe and supportive for all residents.