Ulster Unionist Party Councillor Alex Redpath has expressed his shock and disgust at an act of criminal damage in Hillsborough, described by police as a ‘hate crime’. The incident was reported on Thursday night and the PSNI have arrested a man in connection with the incident, which involved white paint being thrown and a racist slogan placed, on the front door of a house in Dunbeg Park.
The local Councillor said,
“I am shocked and appalled that this sort of attack could have occurred in Hillsborough. Hillsborough is a welcoming and open community and many local people have expressed their sadness about what took place. I want to make it very clear that I condemn this racist attack utterly and I will support any minority community who are subject to this sort of intimidation.
“I have spoken to police and am informed that they are treating this incident as a hate crime, and that they have made an arrest.
“Northern Ireland is a pluralist society and residents from all ethnic backgrounds should feel welcome. I hope this attack does not discourage minority communities from remaining in Northern Ireland as the vast majority of our population welcome the diversity in our society."
ENDS