Police in south Belfast are investigating a report of graffiti painted in a number of locations in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Brown said: “The graffiti, which contained a number of extremely offensive racist and misogynistic terms, was reported on Tuesday, 14th July.

“Although this has since been painted over, our investigation into this report of criminal damage continues and we are treating the graffiti as a racially-motivated hate crime.

“There is no place in our society for this type of intimidating behaviour and we will continue to engage with local representatives and partner agencies around community safety. We know the people of south Belfast will rightly condemn this disgraceful attack.”

“We would appeal to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area, or who may have relevant doorbell camera, CCTV, or other footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 649 of 14/07/26.

Reports can also be made online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.