Politicians condemn those behind van covered in racist graffiti in west Belfast
A company logo on the side suggests the van belongs to Equans, a long-time contractor for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty described the attack as 'disgraceful'.
'The racist graffiti daubed on a Housing Executive vehicle in Bearnagh Drive today was disgraceful and has no place in our society,' he said.
"This vile act does not reflect the people of this community. A community built on respect, diversity and solidarity. No family should have to walk past that kind of hatred.'
Mr Doherty said he reported the incident to the PSNI.
'I've flagged this with the police and hope the vehicle can be removed by Housing Executive staff as soon as possible. Those responsible should be ashamed. We stand united against racism in all its forms.'
Sinn Féin's Paul Maskey also condemned the graffiti.
The West Belfast MP said: 'Overnight in Andersontown, a company van was sprayed with disgusting xenophobic slurs, designed to spread fear and hatred.
'Our activists were in the area today speaking to local residents and the vehicle owner, all of whom are outraged.
'We have reported this to PSNI and I would urge anyone with information to please bring it forward.
Watch: Thousands flock to Scarva for annual Royal Black Preceptory parades
'Those involved do not speak for the vast majority of west Belfast. Andersonstown is a welcoming community — one which I am proud to be part of and represent.
'Our resolve is steadfast. Racism will not win.'
The PSNI have been contacted for comment.
Equans says on its website that it has been 'providing repairs, maintenance, heating and refurbishment services to more than 45,000 homes across the region' for more than two decades.
'The Northern Ireland team has also recently been awarded funding by the NI Sustainable Energy Programme to provide full heating and housing solutions to low income households, helping them become safe, comfortable, and energy efficient,' the website adds.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
12 hours ago
- BBC News
Graffiti painted onto NIHE van being treated as racist hate crime
Police are treating graffiti on what is believed to be a Northern Ireland Housing Executive van as a racially-motivated hate van was targeted in the Bearnagh Drive area of west Belfast on Monday at some point between 00:00 BST and 08: lord mayor of Belfast Paul Doherty, who is a councillor from the area, condemned the graffiti calling it "disgraceful" and said it "has no place in our society".The police said enquiries are ongoing and they have appealed for witnesses. 'Disgusting xenophobic slurs' Doherty said: "This vile act does not reflect the people of this community. A community built on respect, diversity and solidarity. No family should have to walk past that kind of hatred - but sadly many have, and it has deeply impacted them.""Those responsible should be ashamed. We stand united against racism in all its forms," he MP for the area, Paul Maskey, described the graffiti as "disgusting xenophobic slurs, designed to spread fear and hatred"."Those involved do not speak for the vast majority of west Belfast. Andersonstown is a welcoming community — one which I am proud to be part of and represent."Our resolve is steadfast. Racism will not win."The graffiti displays the letters News NI understands that this stands for Republicans Against Antifa who have been previously described as a "fringe fascist group" by the west Belfast assembly member Gerry Carroll after threatening graffiti appeared about him in March graffiti also includes a word which is derogatory to those who are not McCrum from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "There is no place in our society for this type of intimidating behaviour and we will continue to engage with local representatives and partner agencies around community safety."
Belfast Telegraph
14 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI reviewing footage of loyalist band singing The Sash outside Sinn Fein MLA office
Videos appear to show members of the Rathcoole Protestant Boys breaking into a rousing rendition of song just yards from the Sinn Féin MLA's office on the Antrim Road in Glengormley. The band was among 40 that took part in Saturday's parade with the incident taking place on the return leg which ended at Cloughfern Protestant Hall. 'Police in Newtownabbey are currently reviewing a parade which took place on the Antrim Road on Saturday, 12th July, in respect of a potential breach of a Parades Commission determination,' a PSNI spokesperson confirmed. The event was marked as 'sensitive" by the Parades Commission which imposed restrictions on the march. A respectful 12th in Glengormley? This parade should never have been allowed and should never be allowed in future. They have no understanding of respect for this community or any other. The PSNI and Parades Commission have a lot to answer for. Shameful. — Cllr Michael Goodman SF (@macgiolla) July 12, 2025 The determination prohibited undue stoppages or delays and ordered bands to 'refrain from using words or behaviour which could reasonably be perceived as intentionally sectarian'. "The Commission reaffirms the importance of respectful behaviour, namely that there should be no singing, chanting or loud drumming and that marching would be dignified,' the ruling stated. 'All participants and supporters of this parade must behave with due regard for the rights, traditions and feelings of others in the vicinity.' Local residents from the Tober Glen and Colinbridge areas close to Mr Kelly's office had made representations ahead of the march. They cited concerns over about disruption and access for emergency services. But organisers of the parade argued that marshalling would be in place and said efforts had been made to prevent the consumption of alcohol. The Parades Commission was impressed by the "extensive planning" undertaken by organisers including "detailed discussions with a range of statutory agencies" and their "awareness-raising and engagement with the community". One video of the band stopping just yards from Mr Kelly's office appears to show members dancing while The Sash is played. Some members and a number of spectators changed the lyrics from "It was worn in Derry" to "It was worn in Londonderry" as they loudly belted out the words. So the breaking story here is that a band played 'The Sash' near an empty office in North Belfast 🤦♀️ Has the reporter checked that the office feels ok? — Peter Martin (@petermartindup) July 12, 2025 Nationalist residents have expressed anger following the incident with one saying "I thought they're not allowed to stop." Sinn Fein councillor Michael Goodman branded the incident as 'shameful'. "A respectful 12th in Glengormley? This parade should never have been allowed and should never be allowed in future,' he wrote on X. 'They have no understanding of respect for this community or any other. "The PSNI and Parades Commission have a lot to answer for. Shameful.' However a number of unionist MLAs have dismissed concerns about the incident. North Down DUP representative Peter Martin and North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew joked about media reports of the incident. "So the breaking story here is that a band played The Sash near an empty office in North Belfast," he wrote on X. 'Has the reporter checked that the office feels ok?" It prompted a reply from South Antrim MLA and former UUP leader Steve Aiken who also downplayed concerns. 'It was, I checked, wasn't demonstrating any signs of stress or concern…it did look a little desolate though…it seemed mollified by a few shouting 'oh, ah, etc' but that was probably for my benefit.' Meanhwile Mr Frew wrote: "In a further development, we have identified a disgruntled square metre of tarmac that was willing to speak to us, he said that he was sick and tired of people walking all over him.'
BreakingNews.ie
20 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Residents ‘badly shaken' as PSNI probes arson attack
Residents were left 'badly shaken' after a reported arson attack outside a property in Portadown, Co Armagh, police have said. Detectives in Lurgan are appealing for information and witnesses following the report of arson in the early hours of Monday. Advertisement At approximately 1.15am, it was reported that two fires had been started outside a property in the Garvaghy Park area, causing significant damage. While no injuries were reported, the PSNI said: 'Residents were left badly shaken by the incident.' Three people were seen making off from the scene in the direction of the Garvaghy Road. The report is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life. Advertisement A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with inquires are asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 124 14/07/25. 'A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via 'You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at
