PSNI: blaze at Belfast multi-cultural hub a ‘hate crime’

A fire at a multi-cultural centre in Belfast is being treated as arson, police have said.
By Mark Rainey
Published 15th Jan 2021, 15:46 BST
The Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.The Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.
The Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.

The building in Donegall Pass suffered extensive damage despite more than 50 firefighters being tasked to deal with the incident on Thursday evening.

Vehicles belonging to people working at the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association (BMCA) centre have been previously vandalised in hate crime incidents.

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No-one was inside the building when the fire started and there were no reports of any injuries.

The Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.The Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.
The Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.

On Friday, PSNI chief inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said: “We received a report of the fire just after 9pm. Officers attended along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.

“It is believed this fire, which resulted in significant damage to the property, was started deliberately. We have begun an investigation and are working alongside our NIFRS colleagues.”

C/Insp Kirkpatrick has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

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“We are also treating this incident as hate crime and appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1626 of 14/01/21,” he said.

“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Belfast Lord Mayor Frank McCoubrey said he was “saddened” to hear news of the incident.

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“While it is a blessing that no one was injured, this is a devastating blow for the volunteers who have been using this base to serve their community and others, and provide much-needed support to some of the most vulnerable in our society.

“It is sad to hear members of the association speak this morning of ongoing hostility and tensions.

“There is no place in society for hate.”

READ: Belfast multi-cultural centre damaged in blaze

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