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PSNI are investigating after a number of cars were set on fire in Belfast in the early hours of this morning.

Officers say they are investigating a link between the incidents and are treating them as racially motivated hate crimes.

Shortly before 4.15am police received a report that a car parked on Florida Street had been set on fire. The car was extensively damaged as a result and a number of other cars parked nearby were also damaged in the incident.

Around the same time police on patrol in the area of Wayland Street discovered a small fire on the bonnet of a parked car. The fire was extinguished. Damage was caused to the bonnet and windscreen of the car as a result.





A short time later police received a report that a car parked in Carlingford Street had been set on fire. The car was extensively damaged as a result.

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has condemned the incident.

The South Belfast representative said: "I utterly condemn this attack on a family in South Belfast. If you saw anything in Carlingford St please contact PSNI. Belfast is for everyone!

"This incident is extremely concerning and I am sure the whole community will recognise this as unacceptable and unrepresentative."

DUP Cllr George Dorrian also hit out at those behind the attacks.

He said: "Yet again there has been a series of vehicles attacked in East Belfast overnight, and again they are being treated as hate crimes by the PSNI.

"Whoever is responsible seems content to see East Belfast’s name dragged through the gutter, and leave a trail of destruction behind them. However it is not only property which is suffering, attacking vehicles places houses in danger as well as the folk in them.

"No cause or complaint can justify such reckless action, and if you’ve any information on those responsible please contact the police."



Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incidents or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact officers in Strandtown Police Station on 101 quoting reference 362 22/10/17.

Or, alternatively if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.