PSNI arrest boy (12) during investigation into race hate crime against business in south Belfast

In a statement, police said they would like to reassure the community, after a local business experienced a number of racially-motivated hate crimes in recent days.

District Commander Superintendent Finola Dornan said: “Since Tuesday 28th October, a local business premises in the Donegall Road area has been victim to a series of incidents of criminal damage, theft and aggressive behaviour towards staff and customers, as a group of young people repeatedly targeted their premises.

“We want to reassure the entire local community of our commitment to keeping them safe. Hate crime has no place in our society and we will be proactive in our approach to ensure justice prevails.

“A 12-year-old boy was arrested last night, Wednesday 5 November, on suspicion of five counts of criminal damage and one of theft.

“He has been bailed to return for interview later today. Enquiries to identify the other young people are ongoing.”

Superintendent Dornan said they are providing "enhanced support" to the victims, and that officers will continue to provide visible patrols in the area.

"The behaviour of this group of young people does not reflect on those who live in the Donegall Road area, who have been extremely supportive of our ongoing enquiries."

“The age of those involved in these crimes will be of concern to all of us. I would like to be clear that the arrest of a young person only ever takes place after careful consideration and, in this case, when it is absolutely necessary, and there is a legitimate and lawful purpose to do so.

“While the police have a key role to play in tackling, preventing and supporting victims of hate incidents and hate crimes, this is a wider societal issue which cannot be resolved by policing alone.

“We continue to work closely with our statutory and voluntary partner agencies and the local community to find solutions.

Superintendent Dornan asked anyone witnessing such behaviour to contact police, because the victim "won’t necessarily be the first to make a report to police".

She added: "They may need your assistance to speak up for them, so please do get in touch with us."

Police asked anyone who has any information on any hate related crime to contact them on 101, or 999 in an emergency or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.