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Racist graffiti in south Belfast condemned as 'attempt to intimidate others'

Alliance councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has condemned the graffiti
Alliance councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has condemned the graffiti Alliance councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has condemned the graffiti

RACIST graffiti on vacant properties in south Belfast has been condemned as an "attempt to intimidate others".

The slogan 'locals only' was painted on boarded-up houses on Elm Street in the Donegall Pass area near the city centre.

Alliance councillor Emmet McDonough Brown last night said the graffiti had been "discovered multiple times in the Elm Street area over the past week"

He said it was "extremely disappointing" that members of the community were being made to "feel unwelcome".

"I must condemn those behind this attempt to intimidate others in the local community," he said.

"We cannot accept this type of behaviour as the norm and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible.

"I recognise concern is growing across the community, especially in the wake of other incidents which residents believe are aimed at protecting local people at the expense of others in the community, a situation which no-one wants to see, and so it’s important we stand up and call out this kind of behaviour.

"This behaviour does not go hand in hand with the Belfast we all believe in and envisage - one that is inclusive, welcoming and open to all."