Police investigate overnight violence, including damage to property and vehicles in Belfast.
A petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards, Co Down, early on Saturday morning in what police are treating as a racially motivated attack. The incident occurred around 1am, when the bomb was hurled at the mosque on Greenwell Street. Fortunately, the device did not ignite. In addition to the bomb, graffiti was sprayed on the front door and walls of the building.
Chief Inspector Hutchinson stated that the attack would be treated as a hate crime and stressed that such actions would not be tolerated. He urged anyone with information or footage to come forward to help identify those responsible.
This incident follows a series of similar reports across Northern Ireland, including racially motivated crimes in Belfast. On Friday night, police investigated several incidents of damage to property and vehicles, including cars being set on fire in Tavanagh Street and Sandhurst Gardens. These events are also being treated as hate crimes.
Police have made several arrests, including a 22-year-old man charged with throwing a bottle at a police vehicle during protests in Belfast. Other arrests were made in relation to disorder, petrol bomb possession, and encouragement of riot. Authorities have pledged to continue their investigation and make further arrests if necessary.
The recent spate of violence has sparked community outcry, with many coming forward to show support for those targeted. Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones reaffirmed the police commitment to ensuring public safety during the ongoing unrest.
