Vandalism of dual-language street signs off the Lisburn Road being treated as sectarian hate crime

Police are treating the vandalism of two dual-language street signs in South Belfast as a sectarian hate crime.

Two dual-language signs in the Cranmore Gardens area, off the Lisburn Road, were vandalised sometime between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, April 17.

The signs have had the Irish language street name covered with white paint.

Read more: Ormeau Road bilingual sign attacks prompt call for protection

Police have now launched an investigation following the incident, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime.

Neighbourhood policing Sergeant Mulholland said: “It is believed that the damage, which was caused by the signs being daubed with white paint, occurred sometime between 6.00pm and 8.00pm on Wednesday, 17th April.

A vandalised sign at Cranmore Gardens -Credit:An Dream Dearg
A vandalised sign at Cranmore Gardens -Credit:An Dream Dearg

“We are investigating this as a sectarian hate crime and are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 458 of 18/04/24.

"A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."

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