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A Belfast journalist was forced out of his home in West Belfast at the weekend after it was attacked.

Tim Brannigan who reported the incident to police as a hate crime said his home was attacked by "thugs and racists" on Saturday night (August 8).

The first floor bedroom window was the first to be smashed in the attack which resulted in Mr Brannigan having to leave his home in the early hours of the morning.

Posting images on social media, Mr Brannigan said his home was pelted with various missiles including large bricks and stones.

Mr Brannigan said police did come out to the scene and advised him to stay somewhere else.

He blamed bonfire celebrations saying they were "creating a misery for West Belfast."

Politicans and well-wishers tweeted their support to the Belfast writer following the attack.

In his book, Where are you Really From? Tim tells the story of his childhood and being born into a white, devoutly Catholic family, his mum Peggy Brannigan was shattered when she became pregnant as a result of an extra-marital affair with a black medical student.

Police are appealing for information following the attack on Mr Brannigan's home and are treating it as a hate crime.

Inspector Alan Swann, from the local Neighbourhood Team, said: “At approximately 12:30am, police received a report of criminal damage to a property in the area. A number of windows were smashed when items were thrown at the house.

“Police are treating this incident as a hate crime and would appeal to anyone who was in the area, or anyone with information, to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can be given to the Crimestoppers charity by telephoning 0800 555 111.”