Graffiti painted onto van being treated as racist hate crime

Police are treating graffiti on what is believed to be a Northern Ireland Housing Executive van as a racially-motivated hate crime.

The van was targeted in the Bearnagh Drive area of west Belfast on Monday at some point between 00:00 BST and 08:30.

Deputy lord mayor of Belfast Paul Doherty, who is a councillor from the area, condemned the graffiti calling it "disgraceful" and said it "has no place in our society".

The police said enquiries are ongoing and they have appealed for witnesses.

Doherty said: "This vile act does not reflect the people of this community. A community built on respect, diversity and solidarity. No family should have to walk past that kind of hatred - but sadly many have, and it has deeply impacted them."

"Those responsible should be ashamed. We stand united against racism in all its forms," he added.

The MP for the area, Paul Maskey, described the graffiti as "disgusting xenophobic slurs, designed to spread fear and hatred".

"Those involved do not speak for the vast majority of west Belfast. Andersonstown is a welcoming community — one which I am proud to be part of and represent.

"Our resolve is steadfast. Racism will not win."

The graffiti displays the letters R.A.A.

BBC News NI understands that this stands for Republicans Against Antifa who have been previously described as a "fringe fascist group" by the west Belfast assembly member Gerry Carroll after threatening graffiti appeared about him in March 2025.

Monday's graffiti also includes a word which is derogatory to those who are not white.

Sgt McCrum from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "There is no place in our society for this type of intimidating behaviour and we will continue to engage with local representatives and partner agencies around community safety."