Northern Ireland Police Investigate Racist Graffiti Hate Crime on West Belfast Housing Executive Van

A van belonging to Equans, a contractor for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, was targeted with racist graffiti in the Bearnagh Drive area of west Belfast, an act widely condemned as a racially motivated hate crime. Local politicians including SDLP councillor Paul Doherty and West Belfast MP Paul Maskey denounced the graffiti as disgraceful and unrepresentative of the community, which they described as one built on respect, diversity, and solidarity. The graffiti included xenophobic slurs and derogatory language, causing distress among local residents and prompting calls for the vehicle's removal. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward. Community leaders emphasized their united stance against racism and hatred, affirming that those responsible do not represent the vast majority of west Belfast. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about hate crimes in the region and the importance of community solidarity in combating racism.