Sectarian hate crime probe launched after Curryneirin vandalism and abuse
Police treat spray-painting and verbal harassment in Conway Park as hate-motivated after Sunday evening disorder
Police are treating a wave of vandalism and verbal abuse in Curryneirin on Sunday evening as a sectarian hate crime.
Officers were pelted with bricks and rocks after responding to reports of a mob spray-painting property and harassing residents in the Conway Park area.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in received a report at 5.35pm on Sunday evening, March 8, there was a gathering of people in the Conway Park area of Curryneirin who were reported to be causing damage - spray painting graffiti on property - and verbally abusing residents.
"Police responded and, when in the area, some of those that had gathered threw objects at police vehicles, including rocks and bricks. Police also noted damage to a sign, and an electrical box in the area.
"Officers engaged with those present, and liaised with local community representatives to de-escalate the situation. Officers remained in the area for some time to monitor the situation, and conduct reassurance patrols and, by 7pm, the situation had de-escalated and those present earlier had dispersed.
"Local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers continued to monitor the situation throughout the remainder of the evening, and police enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.
"Police are treating the incidents of criminal damage caused in the area as sectarian-motivated hate crimes and appeal to anyone with information to call police on 101, quoting reference 1271 08/03/26. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also report online to police via https://www.psni.police.uk/report or online to Crimestoppers via http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."