West Belfast community to hold protest after racist attack on man's home

Beechmount Street, Belfast.
-Credit:Justin Kernoghan


A protest is planned for Wednesday evening after a recent racist attack on a home in Belfast over the weekend. The word 'local', was daubed on the wall of a home in the Beechmount Street area of the city.

The resident returned to his home to discover paint had been thrown over the wall and graffiti on the brickwork. The incident sparked condemnation across the community within Beechmount, and further afield, with many echoing calls for such behaviour to cease.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll slammed the attack and said there is no place in West Belfast or anywhere else for racist graffiti or intimidation.

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He said: "Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers should be welcomed into our society with open arms - not made to feel afraid in their own home. I condemn this racist attack in the strongest possible terms. I know this doesn't reflect the views of people in the diverse Beechmount area and of the wider west Belfast community, who have strongly condemned racist intimidation and harassment.

"Those who blame migrants for spiralling housing waiting lists are letting landlords and those in power off the hook. This attack comes less than a week after the Communities Minister announced his decision to abolish Housing Executive intimidation points. It calls into serious question the actions taken by Stormont to provide permanent, safe and secure homes for people, especially those victims of racist intimidation."

This evening, February 5, at 7pm, the Beechmount Residents Collective has organised the rally, to "make a stand against racism Beechmount" and to show that "the whole mid-Falls community stands proudly as an inclusive and welcoming community for all".

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"There is a lot of anger in the area after racist attack on a house in Beechmount Street and also a lot of speculation with malicious gossip on what has happened with no facts or proof we stand firm in our position to face any type of racism that pops its head up and stomp it out," a spokesperson added.

"We will organise for all who get onto us in any situation with facts and not just hear say over the past two days we have engaged with this resident affected and others have reached out in fear with families living in Surrounding area now thinking them and their families are next no one will live in fear in this area no matter political difference, culture or religion.

"This disgusting attack does not represent us as a community and we can never stand by and let this fester and go under the carpet as this is a serious situation that could spiral out of control as we seen in other areas of Ireland. We call on all community groups/MLAs/councilors to show their support.

"Join us at 7pm Wednesday 5th of February at Mick's Shop 3 Beechmount Street BT127NG. Let's rally our community together we can stomp out racism. Every skin colour tells a story, every story brings wisdom. In this world, we share the same sky, the same earth, and the same dreams. Let's embrace our differences as strengths, not reasons for division."

Speaking to Belfast Live, Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie said the incident is not reflective of the Beechmount community.

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"It’s absolutely disgraceful that racist graffiti was painted on a home in Beechmount last night," cllr Beattie added.

"I have spoken with the homeowner this morning and extended the entire community’s support and solidarity with him and his family. I’ve also contacted Belfast City Council to ensure the paint from the home is removed today.

"Those involved in this disgusting attack must be brought to justice, and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward. Beechmount stands proudly as an inclusive and welcoming community, we will not allow the actions of a minority to alter this in any way."

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jackson said: "It's believed that this damage occurred at some point between 12pm on Sunday February 2 and 8.00am on Monday February 3.

"We are investigating this as a racially-motivated hate crime, and 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 216 of 03/02/25.

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"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. Everyone has the right to feel secure in their own home, and we know the people of west Belfast will rightly condemn this disgraceful attack."

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