Attacks on HMOs in East Belfast
A Belfast city councillor has characterized recent assaults on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in east Belfast as racially motivated incidents.
Green Party councillor Brian Smyth stated that HMOs have become the "new battleground for several known online racist agitators to stir up anti-immigrant sentiment."
The attacks occurred around 00:45 BST on Tuesday 31 March in the Templemore Avenue and Paxton Street areas, targeting several properties.
Windows were shattered and graffiti was sprayed on the exterior walls of the houses. Police reported that a family inside one of the homes at the time was unharmed but left deeply shaken.
Authorities have indicated that a hate crime motivation remains a "line of enquiry." NI understands that two young girls were present in one of the residences during the attack.
Statements from Councillor Brian Smyth
Green Party councillor Brian Smyth emphasized that many of the "issues arising with HMOs in the last number of months" are racially motivated.
"HMOs have become the new battleground for several known online racist agitators to stir up anti-immigrant sentiment,"
Smyth further stressed the urgency of addressing the situation.
"The attacks need to be quickly curtailed because it's going to spiral out of control."
He elaborated on the nature of the incitement.
"What we're seeing here is online race-baiters digging into this and using it as an excuse because they simply do not like people who have brown skin.
There are a number of well-known racist accounts driving this."
Smyth noted that the local community would be "utterly disgusted" by these attacks.
Broader Issues Surrounding HMOs
In addition to condemning the attacks, Smyth acknowledged existing challenges related to HMOs.
"HMOs are symptomatic of the failure of the Stormont Executive to build enough social housing.
There is a wider issue here. We need rent caps and we need social housing to be rapidly expanded."
