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East Belfast takeaway targeted with anti-Islamic graffiti

Hasan Khader outside his kebab shop in east Belfast, which was targeted in a race hate attack. Picture by Mal McCann
Hasan Khader outside his kebab shop in east Belfast, which was targeted in a race hate attack. Picture by Mal McCann Hasan Khader outside his kebab shop in east Belfast, which was targeted in a race hate attack. Picture by Mal McCann

THE owner of a takeaway restaurant in east Belfast has spoken of his distress after his premises were daubed with anti-Islamic graffiti.

The Turkish Kebab House on Beersbridge Road was targeted overnight with graffiti sprayed on the shutters.

Police are treating the attack as a racially motivated hate crime and believe it happened some time between midnight and 7.30am yesterday.

Owner Hasan Khader last night said he hoped those responsible would "wise up".

"We have lived here for 15 years, I have no problem with anybody. I know so many people in the area and I live in the same area," he told Belfast Live.

"I have no problem with anybody and I am upset to see that people have a problem with us because of what we believe. We are a peaceful people, we love this community and we work together with the community and sponsor the community.

"We are happy in this community and I am sure these are stupid people who do not know the difference between good people and bad people. I hope it will stop because we have no problem with anybody whatsoever and I hope people will wise up."

Ulster Unionist assembly member Andy Allen condemned the "deplorable attack".

“The individuals responsible are not representative of the wider community of east Belfast," he said.

"Such actions are not wanted and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or has any information to contact the PSNI."

A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Police are appealing for information following the report of criminal damage to commercial premises on the Beersbridge Road, Belfast.

"Sometime between 12 midnight and 7.30am, Thursday, 29 June graffiti was spray painted on the shutters of the premises. Police are treating this incident as a racially motivated hate crime."