Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has said she is disgusted at those who have attacked the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association (BMCA) for a second time.

As the current Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Nicholl has worked with BMCA throughout her year in office and says this latest suspected hate crime is a devastating blow for all who use the centre.

She added: “This is a very distressing incident, and while I know it is not representative of Belfast, it is heartbreaking for our Muslim community.

“It is especially bad as the BMCA have just finished repairing the damage to the roof from the last attack. This is also Ramadan, when the Muslim community fast to remember the suffering of the poor, they also donate at least 2.5 percent of that they own to charity – they are good kind people who do not deserve this.

“Our Belfast is not one filled with hate, but one which symbolises great openness, inclusivity and diversity. Let me be clear to those intent on victimising anyone in our community – you will never succeed, but only make those of us with a clear vision for our city more united.”

“It is unacceptable and wrong when someone is targeted because of who they are, where they are from or what they believe. Hate crime can take many forms and as a society we all need to play our part in helping to combat it.

“Strengthening hate crime legislation is an opportunity to do just that, while preventing such incidents from happening in the first place and protecting victims when they do.”