Attack on City Church ‘wanton vandalism’, not hate crime

Following the news that the recent attack on City Church in South Belfast was not a hate crime rather wanton vandalism by a bunch of students, local DUP MLA and NI Policing Board member Jimmy Spratt said:

 

"At the time of this deplorable attack much speculation ensued that this was another example of racially motivated hate crime in South Belfast. It is some consolation that, following questions I raised at the NI Policing Board, this has been confirmed not to be the case.

 

The attack on City Church was an act of wanton vandalism and destruction carried out by mindless thugs. The alleged involvement of students comes as no surprise to me following the examples of lawlessness witnessed in the University area in recent months. That one of those arrested is reported to be a law student is somewhat ironic. If any student is found guilty of involvement, I would call on the Universities to expel those concerned and send out a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

 

It is now important that those in the political realm, policing and the media exercise caution in future before rushing to label attacks as racist. The damage such unfounded speculation does to Northern Ireland is immeasurable, particularly as we seek to promote our tourism potential across the world.

 

My hope is that we no longer have the reputation of South Belfast, and Northern Ireland, dragged through the mud by such incidents."