A fire that caused extensive damage to a building in South Belfast on Thursday night is believed to have been started deliberately.
Police say they are now treating the blaze at the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association as a hate crime and are appealing for information.
It was reported at around 9pm last night that the building, on Donegall Pass, was in flames.
Seven fire appliances, three specialist appliances and over 50 personnel dealt with the incident.
In a post on Facebook, BMCA said they were heartbroken.
The post read: "Unfortunately tonight [Thursday] BMCA is ablaze. We don’t have any details about how this happened. Fortunately none of our volunteers were injured.
"We are immensely grateful to the fire services who were there promptly.
"We are heartbroken and shocked by these events but it will not deter us from any of our work. Thank you to everyone who have been in contact to check up on us."
Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said: “It is believed this fire, which resulted in significant damage to the property, was started deliberately. We have begun an investigation and are working alongside our NIFRS colleagues.
“We are also treating this incident as hate crime and appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1626 of 14/01/21.
"A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
"Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."
Meanwhile, the PSNI are appealing after a fire at a property in West Belfast on Thursday.
Police and NIFRS responded to the blaze in Norglen Parade which was reported at 11:20pm.
Detective Sergeant Corrigan said: "Thankfully, no one was in the property at the time of the incident and no injuries have been reported.
"It is believed that the fire had been started deliberately and remains under investigation. We would appeal to anyone with information about what happened to call us on 101, quoting reference number 1834 of 14/01/21."
