A fire at the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association building in the early hours of this morning is being treated as suspected arson.
Police say they have begun a major investigation following the blaze in Donegall Pass which started at around 1.20am and was extinguished by crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service extinguishing the fire.
The PSNI said a major investigation has now begun.
The centre was previously targeted in January last year when a fire destroyed much of the roof of the historic building.
In September 2020, two cars had their windows smashed outside the premises, where volunteers had distributed food parcels to emergency workers, those shielding and homeless people during the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Previously attacks also include doors at the back of the building being smashed, kitchen equipment stolen and all CCTV cameras pulled down.
Superintendent Gerard Pollock said: “This is the second fire at this location since January 2021 and we have therefore commenced a major investigation led by detectives based at Musgrave Police station. Police are treating the fire as suspected arson at this time and a hate crime.
“I would appeal to anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area late last night or early this morning to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101"
Mr Pollock said officers remain working at the scene with specialist fire investigators to determine the cause of the fire.