Woman hit in the face with mortar in racially motivated attack in east Belfast

Police are investigating a racially motivated hate crime in east Belfast which resulted in a woman being struck in the face with a piece of mortar.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the woman was attacked by a group of youths throwing objects at her on the London Road.

The woman was left with a minor injury and police are treating the incident as a racially motivated hate crime.

It is being reported that the woman’s family have had to leave their home due to racist abuse over a period of two nights.

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In response to the incident, SDLP Councillor for Lisnasharragh, Séamas de Faoite, said: “All of us must redouble our efforts to stamp out racism in Belfast.”

“Incidents like these are unacceptable and a blight on our city.

“We urgently need stronger penalties for those who perpetuate hatred and make it their goal to discriminate against others,” he added.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth claimed that much of the anti-social behaviour in the area “is linked to the bonfire site”.

“Many residents live in fear for months each year,” he said.

“Political unionism needs to be much stronger in calling out racism and show leadership to young people.”

This incident comes as a series of racist attacks are believed to have recently occurred in the area.

Police also confirmed that they are treating a report of water balloons being thrown at a resident at the weekend as a racially motivated hate incident.

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey called on political and community leaders to stand against racist attacks in east Belfast.

“Recent footage of sickening racist abuse and attacks is absolutely reprehensible,” she said.

“Racism has no place in our communities, these actions must stop and I would call on anyone with information to bring it to the PSNI.”