Detectives are investigating an arson attack in south Belfast last night, Monday 19th August, which is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.

Detective Inspector Angus said: "Just after 11pm, we were contacted by a member of the public who reported that a vehicle was on fire in the Frenchpark Street area. There were fears that this could spread to a nearby house.

"It is believed that there were two seats of fire. One had been set on a motorcycle outside the living room window of the property, destroying the vehicle and burning two windows and guttering. The second fire was set underneath a car, causing damage to the wheels and engine bay.

"Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that the fires were set deliberately. We are treating this as arson with intent to endanger life, with a racial hate motivation.

"We are grateful that those present in the property were uninjured, though we are very aware that we could potentially have been dealing with much more serious consequences this morning.”

Detective Inspector Angus continued: "There is no place in our society for such behaviour. We will be tireless in our pursuit of those responsible for this, and any other, hate crime. 

Chief Inspector Mark Conway, area commander for south Belfast, added: “Everyone, no matter what their background, has the right to feel safe in their home.

“The Police Service are treating this incident exceptionally seriously. Local officers are working with our Criminal Investigations Department colleagues to identify the perpetrators of this incident, so that those responsible are held to account for their actions. I would appeal directly to the south Belfast community – do not let these criminals hide amongst us.
 
"Anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have relevant information, including dash-cam or other footage, should contact us on 101, quoting reference 1672 19/08/24.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. 

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.