Damaged DUP mayor portrait back on display at City Hall

A vandalised portrait of a former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lord mayor has been put back on display at Belfast City Hall.

The painting of Lord Wallace Browne was removed from a wall and the glass in its frame was smashed in October.

A Sinn Féin employee resigned after admitting involvement in the incident, which is being investigated by police as a hate crime.

Belfast City Council said the portrait was reinstated earlier this week following some "minor repair works".

"The cost for this work has not yet been finalised," a council spokesman said.

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

Glór na Móna said they were "extremely disappointed" to learn of the incident and would assist the council with its enquiries.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a man attended an interview voluntarily on 19 November.

It has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

Belfast City Council said the portrait was reinstated on Tuesday.

An image supplied by the council appears to show a new security camera has been installed beside the portrait.

The council was asked about this and other questions but it did not provide further details.

"As the PSNI investigation into the incident is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment at this time," a spokesman said.