The damaged sign in east Belfast. Photo: Kirsten Elder for Belfast Telegraph
The damaged sign in east Belfast. Photo: Kirsten Elder for Belfast Telegraph
Christopher Leebody and Gráinne Ní Aodha
Press AssociationYesterday at 13:05
There has been condemnation over damage to a east Belfast street sign with Irish on it, as police confirmed an investigation has been launched into the “hate-motivated” incident.
A white sign to Shandon Park was cut with an angle grinder, to remove the Irish language, at around 8.15pm on Saturday, the PSNI confirmed.
Reacting to the damage, Sinn Féin councillor Pádraig Donnelly branded it “disgraceful”.
The damaged sign in east Belfast. Photo: Kirsten Elder for Belfast Telegraph
“This was a disgraceful act of vandalism designed to stoke division and intolerance,” said councillor Donnelly.
“There is nothing to fear from the Irish language, or indeed from equality.
“The rights of Irish language speakers must be respected.”
A PSNI spokesperson said police are asking those with information to contact police on 101 quoting 129811/10/25 or through the online PSNI non-emergency form, or through Crimestoppers.