Northern Ireland

Reward offered in new appeal over arson attacks on Belfast Multi-Cultural Association centre

Damage caused to Belfast's Multi-Cultural Association centre in April following an arson attack. Picture by Liam McBurney
Damage caused to Belfast's Multi-Cultural Association centre in April following an arson attack. Picture by Liam McBurney

A REWARD of up to £5,000 is being offered for information on those behind two arson attacks at Belfast's Multi-Cultural Association centre.

The building at Donegall Pass in the south of the city was targeted in January of 2021 and again last month in what police have described as hate crimes.

Both blazes caused significant damage and the Crimestoppers charity has offered up to £5,000 for information it receives that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Danielle Magee said: "These were fires which caused devastating damage to this building which is important to the wider community. There is no place for hate in Northern Ireland. We are a diverse society and need to welcome members of ethnic communities here and they need to feel safe.

"Our investigation is progressing but we need the assistance of those living in the wider area or anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in this area on 14 January 2021 or 8th April 2022 to report this to us or alternatively tell Crimestoppers anonymously. If fresh evidence comes to light, it will be thoroughly investigated."