Northern Ireland

Commonwealth Games office targeted in south Belfast hate crime

Windows were smashed at the building on Wednesday night, with police appealing for information on three teenagers in the area

The office of the Commonwealth Games was attacked in what police are treating as a hate crime. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
The office of the Commonwealth Games was attacked in what police are treating as a hate crime. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
By Allan Preston

STAFF at the Commonwealth Games office in south Belfast have confirmed their building was attacked this week.

Police were informed around 10.20pm on Wednesday that windows had been smashed at the building on Great Northern Street.

The incident is being treated as a hate crime, and follows online threats which had caused the office to temporarily close over a proposal to change the flag representing the region’s athletes.

The SDLP’s Botanic councillor, Gary McKeown condemned the attack.

“I think it’s absolutely abhorrent that violence would be inflicted on anyone, just because they happen to have a political difference or about how sports should be represented,” he told the Irish News.

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The Northern Ireland flag is carried into Birmingham's Alexander Stadium at the opening ceremony of the last Commonwealth Games. Picture by PA
The Northern Ireland flag is carried into Birmingham's Alexander Stadium at the opening ceremony of the last Commonwealth Games. Picture by PA (Tim Goode/PA)

“We’ve had a spate of racist attacks in the area recently, and to compound it with this just adds insult to injury.

“It highlights again why there’s a need for those with influence to exert it, instead of just deflecting on to other things that really aren’t relevant.”

He added: “If you actually look at the people that have succeeded in the Commonwealth Games, it really does come from both sides of the community.

“We have a really proud sporting heritage here that brings people together.

“So to see people targeting an organisation like this over something quite minor. What are these people offering the community, nothing compared to organisations trying to offer a positive alternative to people.”

Sad to confirm that our office was attacked around 10:20pm on Wednesday 11th December. Three masked people threw bricks...

Posted by Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland on Friday, December 13, 2024

Earlier this week, South Belfast Neighbourhood Inspector Róisín Brown said she was especially keen to hear from anyone who noticed three teenage boys in the area at the time of the attack.

“One of whom was wearing a blue top and grey jogging bottoms, as well as a mask and gloves,” she said.

“The other two suspects were wearing all black clothing with hoods and gloves. They all made off on foot in the direction of Donegal Avenue towards Tate’s Avenue Bridge.”