VANDALS who targeted new homes in east Belfast and sprayed the slogan 'locals only' have been branded “bigoted idiots”.
A total of 15 windows were smashed at a housing development under constructionin the Woodlee Court area of Beersbridge Road on Friday night.
Police confirmed it was being investigated as a hate crime and called for anyone with information to contact them.
Alliance leader Naomi Long said the damage "caused by these bigoted idiots" would would delay the houses being allocated to new tenants.
East Belfast councillor David Armitage said it followed other incidents in the area.
“There is no justification whatsoever for this vandalism or similar incidents we have seen nearby in previous months. We can have no tolerance in our society for such blatant racist views,” he said.
“Enough is enough – I appeal directly to those behind this graffiti and others to stop what they’re doing. I ask to all who have influence to use it to make sure this is the last occurrence we see."
