A DUP MLA has condemned the spreading of misinformation on social media following a racially motivated arson on the Shankill Road.
Brian Kingston, who was speaking after a fire broke out at a former gospel hall early on Saturday morning, said those behind misinformation “bear considerable responsibility for what has occurred”.
The fire service arrived at the scene of the fire just after 2.45am.
Firefighters forced entry into the building, and a drone and jets were also used to tackle the blaze.
The DUP’s Brian Kingston
On police arrival, the fire service confirmed that the fire had been caused by “deliberate ignition” to the roof and the building had been “totally gutted” by the blaze. No injuries were reported.
The PSNI have begun carrying out enquiries with a police presence in the area on Saturday.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “This out-of-use building had been bought by legitimate business people who would have brought jobs to the local community and, as with any crime motivated by hate, we will be providing them with an enhanced level of supervision, investigation and support.
“As a Police Service, we do not underestimate the impact hate-related crimes have on victims, their families and wider communities.
“While we have a key role to play in tackling, preventing and supporting victims of hate incidents and hate crimes, this is a wider societal issue which cannot be resolved by policing alone.
“We continue to work closely with our statutory and voluntary partner agencies and the local community to find solutions.”
Damage to the roof
Mr Kingston described the attack as “appalling”.
“This is an appalling crime, which the police are treating as arson, and as having a race hate motive,” he told The Irish News.
“Sadly this Gospel Hall closed five years ago and no-one has taken it on since.
“It was purchased by Indian couple who had lived in London for many years and now live in Northern Ireland and they wish to turn it into a supermarket specialising in Indian foods, vegetables, rices and spices, but not meat.”
He continued: “There has been misinformation deliberately spread on social media and stirring up opposition. Those behind that misinformation bear considerable responsibility for what has occurred. I urge anyone having information about this apparent arson attack to bring that forward to the PSNI.
“Whatever concerns people have they should raise with the community or elected representatives.
“There are many people working on the regeneration of the Shankill Road, to bring derelict buildings back into use and to maintain the ribbon shops along the road. To have a former church building and future shop burned totally undermines that work and is setting back progress.”
He added: “I have been liaising today with the owner and with statutory agencies, the PSNI, Belfast City Council and the Housing Executive to have the building secured and I appeal for no further incidents.”