A PAINT attack on the Belfast Islamic Centre has been condemned as "utterly despicable".
Red paint was daubed on the door of the building at Wellington Park in south Belfast.
Police are treating the incident as a hate crime.
The paint attack was reported to the PSNI shortly after 11.35pm on Monday night.
Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw urged anyone with information to contact police.
"This attack is disgusting. Belfast Islamic Centre contributes much to the cultural life of south Belfast and beyond, and I utterly condemn those who carried this out, who are unrepresentative of the vast majority of people in the wider area," she said.
"Those who take part in such hate-filled actions seek to drive a wedge between communities and heighten tensions, both racial and religious. They have no place in our society, and we must unite and stand steadfast in order to defeat them.
"If anyone has information about this attack, I would urge them to contact police immediately."
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll wrote on Facebook: "This attack on a place of worship is utterly despicable and we have to oppose it.
"Solidarity to users of the Islamic Centre. We need to fight resolutely against racism and make it clear that everyone is welcome here, regardless of faith."
Police appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information to contact officers at Lisburn Road on 101, quoting reference number 235 of 06/09/16.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
