Hate crime: PSNI appeal over attack on property of East Belfast GAA at the Henry Jones playing fields in Castlereagh

By Philip Bradfield
Published 30th Aug 2023, 15:18 BST
Updated 31st Aug 2023, 12:37 BST
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The PSNI is treating an attack on property belonging to an east Belfast GAA team as a hate crime.

Police said they are investigating criminal damage to goal posts and nets in the area of Henry Jones Playing Fields in Castlereagh.

Police said the damage, which they are treating as a hate crime, was caused sometime between Monday 28 August and Wednesday morning, 30 August.Officers have appealed for information on tel 101, quoting reference 467 of 30/08/23.

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Information can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or on Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The attack took place on GAA nets at the Henry Jones Playing Fields in Castlereagh. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.The attack took place on GAA nets at the Henry Jones Playing Fields in Castlereagh. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.
The attack took place on GAA nets at the Henry Jones Playing Fields in Castlereagh. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.

SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite condemned what he said was an arson attack on goal posts and netting used by East Belfast GAA at the Henry Jones playing fields in Castlereagh.

“This is the latest in a growing catalogue of attempts to intimidate and bully the members of East Belfast GAA," he said. "Those responsible need to understand that this club and its members are a growing part of our community – they are here to stay and they’re going to keep offering a positive, outward looking experience for anyone who wants to get involved.

“The people behind this latest attack need to wise up. East Belfast becomes a more shared space every day and it should be a place where everyone feels comfortable to live, work and enjoy themselves.”