Police are appealing for information following a suspicious fire at the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building on Donegall Pass, south Belfast, in the early hours of Friday 8th April.
Superintendent Gerard Pollock said: “Police were made aware of a fire at the building at around 1.20am this morning. Officers attended along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.
“This is the second fire at this location since January 2021 and we have therefore commenced a major investigation led by detectives based at Musgrave Police station. Police are treating the fire as suspected arson at this time and a hate crime.
“I would appeal to anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area late last night or early this morning to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 70 08/04/22. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
“Officers remain however, working at the scene with specialist fire investigators to determine the cause of the fire.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that will assist the investigation to contact us on the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.