An “appalling” arson attack at a property in south Belfast is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.
A motorcycle outside the living room window of a house in the Frenchpark Street area was set alight, while a fire was also started under a nearby parked car.
Damage was caused to the car’s wheels and engine bay, while the motorcycle blaze caused damage to the property’s windows and guttering.
The incident was reported to police shortly after 11pm on Monday night, with fears the fire could spread to the house.
Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fires, which were confirmed to have been set deliberately.
“We are treating this as arson with intent to endanger life, with a racial hate motivation,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
”We are grateful that those present in the property were uninjured, though we are very aware that we could potentially have been dealing with much more serious consequences.
“There is no place in our society for such behaviour. We will be tireless in our pursuit of those responsible for this, and any other, hate crime.”
The incident is the latest racially motivated attack in the Village and Donegall Road area of south Belfast, where other homes have been targeted, and a supermarket destroyed in an arson attack earlier this month.
They are among over two dozen racially motivated hate crimes being logged by the PSNI across the north since the start of July.
It comes as police on Monday night released more images of people they want to speak to in relation to recent riots.
The PSNI’s area commander for south Belfast, Chief Inspector Mark Conway, said: “Everyone, no matter what their background, has the right to feel safe in their home.”
“The Police Service are treating this incident exceptionally seriously. Local officers are working with our Criminal Investigations Department colleagues to identify the perpetrators of this incident, so that those responsible are held to account for their actions. I would appeal directly to the south Belfast community – do not let these criminals hide amongst us.
“Anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have relevant information, including dash-cam or other footage, should contact us on 101, quoting reference 1672 19/08/24.”
South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said the attack was “absolutely appalling and disgusting”.
“Thankfully no one was injured, although we could have been talking about a much more serious incident with the potential loss of life,” she said.
“This attack was unprovoked, it was reprehensible and it is not reflective of the majority of our community who embrace and welcome the huge positives of diversity in our society.
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said: “Unfortunately, this attack is part of a recent series of racially motivated attacks which are designed to create fear among a minority group.
“Those responsible do not represent the broad community and I know the vast majority stand with the victims and celebrate the progress we have made towards becoming a truly modern, diverse and inclusive city.”