Belfast Live understands the property had been allocated to a family from the local area
Police in West Belfast are appealing for witnesses and information following a report of racially-motivated graffiti and criminal damage in the Poleglass area.
It is understood that the windows of a vacant property were damaged in the attack which also saw ‘locals only’ sprayed on the house.
Belfast Live understands that a Syrian family had viewed the property in recent days and had opted not to move into it, and that the property had subsequently been allocated to a family who are believed to be from the area.
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Neighbourhood Sergeant Orman said: “We received a report at around 2.35pm on Thursday, 7th August of graffiti and windows smashed at a property in the Glenkeen area.
“We believe the damage occurred sometime on Wednesday night, August 6th. This incident is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime and our enquiries into it are ongoing.
“We would appeal to anyone who might have any information to contact us on the 101 number, quoting reference 941 of 07/08/25.
“You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker condemned the attack and said that it is not reflective of attitudes in the area.
“This attack by cowards under the cover of darkness is nothing more than disgusting racist hate driven by far-right attitudes,” the West Belfast MLA said.
“Poleglass is a welcoming community and this is does not represent the people of this area or the majority of those in West Belfast.
“We must tackle racism wherever we see it and remain resolute in our determination to eradicate it from society. Diversity, inclusivity and equality must always trump hate. I would call on anyone with information to assist police in their investigations.”
A Housing Executive spokesperson added: “We have reported this incident to the PSNI, removed the graffiti and secured the property.
“All allocations of housing in this area – and all others across Northern Ireland – are made in line with the Housing Selection Scheme.
“We work proactively with others to promote inclusivity in our estates, and that is why an incident of this nature is particularly disappointing.”
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