Police treat DUP portrait damage as a hate crime

Image source, Belfast City Council

Image caption, The portrait of Lord Wallace Browne hanging in Belfast City Hall before it was damaged
  • Author, Brendan Hughes
  • Role, 成人论坛 News NI political reporter

Damage caused to a portrait of a former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lord mayor at Belfast City Hall is being treated by police as a hate crime.

The painting of Wallace Browne was removed from a wall and the glass was smashed on 19 October.

A Sinn F茅in employee resigned after admitting involvement in the incident.

It is understood police have not interviewed anyone so far in connection with the investigation.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The empty space on the wall outside The Banqueting Hall of Belfast City Hall

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

"Police continuing to investigate criminal damage caused to artwork in Belfast City Hall are treating the report as a hate crime," a spokeswoman said in a statement.

"The criminal damage is understood to have occurred sometime on Saturday evening, 19 October and was subsequently reported to police on Monday 21 October."

'Extremely disappointed'

The incident happened following an event at City Hall to celebrate an Irish language group's 20th anniversary.

Belfast City Council said it was examining the circumstances and would assist police with their investigation.

Last week it said the damaged portrait was being "assessed by a conservator who can advise on any further repairs required".

The Irish-language group Gl贸r na M贸na said they were "extremely disappointed" to learn of the incident and would assist the council with its enquiries.