It was reported that a blaze at the former Gospel Hall on the Shankill road started in the early hours of Saturday (6 June). The building had been developed into a grocery store that was set to open in the coming months.
Ms McAllister said: “This racially motivated attack is utterly appalling and must be condemned in the strongest terms. There is no place for racism or any hate-fuelled intimidation in our society.
“Those responsible have no regard for human life or property and must face the full consequences of their actions. Their reckless behaviour has had destructive ramifications for the whole community, especially the owner of the business whose livelihood has been destroyed.
“The owner, who dedicated 18 years of his life here and was investing in the community, has been left heartbroken after having to witness all his hard work being selfishly taken away from him.
“I would urge anyone with any information that may be useful to the PSNI in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately.”
Ms McAllister said: “This racially motivated attack is utterly appalling and must be condemned in the strongest terms. There is no place for racism or any hate-fuelled intimidation in our society.
“Those responsible have no regard for human life or property and must face the full consequences of their actions. Their reckless behaviour has had destructive ramifications for the whole community, especially the owner of the business whose livelihood has been destroyed.
“The owner, who dedicated 18 years of his life here and was investing in the community, has been left heartbroken after having to witness all his hard work being selfishly taken away from him.
“I would urge anyone with any information that may be useful to the PSNI in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately.”