Northern Ireland

Newly opened business in west Belfast targeted for second time in four days

The aftermath of the first attack on the Spar store last Thursday
The aftermath of the first attack on the Spar store last Thursday The aftermath of the first attack on the Spar store last Thursday

A newly opened business in west Belfast has been targeted by vandals for the second time in just four days.

Police have appealed for information after windows at the the Spar store in the Twin Spires Centre were smashed on Sunday night.

It is believed that a man armed with a hammer carried out the attack on the shop, which is located in the Northumberland Street area.

It comes just days after extensive damage was caused to the store, just hours after it had opened for the first time.

Staff were left shaken after two masked men attacked the premises at around 8.15pm on Thursday.

Stock and tills were destroyed when tins of a black substance, believed to be driveway sealant, were plastered all over the shop. Police say thousand of pounds worth of damage was caused.

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey and community workers yesterday visited the shop and spoke with staff and customers following the latest attack, which happened on Sunday night.

Police said the criminal damage happened at around 8.45pm after "a man approached and smashed windows of the shop, possibly with a hammer".

The man, who was wearing a mask, was described as wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, grey trainers and a dark-coloured jacket with a distinctive orange jacket underneath.

PSNI Sergeant Peter Tew said: "These are disgraceful attacks on a newly opened business in the area, and we would ask the community to assist Police so that we can bring those responsible to justice".

Anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or who may have any information is asked to contact police on 101.