Police are investigating after a delivery van belonging to a sandwich bar was set alight days after they announced their imminent closure due to alleged intimidation.
It was reported that at around 11:30pm on Wednesday 22nd February the window of the van which was parked on Glen Parade was broken and a fire started inside.
When approached by Belfast Live, the owner of the business said that they did not wish to comment on the situation for fear of escalating things further.
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Posting on social media, the owners of Stacked Glen Road thanked the public for their support in recent days.
"Just before midnight last night I received the news that one of our vans which was parked outside the shop had been set on fire," they said
"[We are] absolutely devastated that this has happened. At this stage we are keeping an open mind.
"We would ask people to think before they comment as we are not sure who or what’s at work here."
Just days earlier, the owners had announced that the business would close at the end of this week after what they alleged was "major resistance" and intimidation.
"We make sandwiches, good sandwiches, employ local people, good people who provide for their families," they said.
"Some of our staff who know what’s been happening are feeling the pressure, as a result, we’ve been forced to close the shop with immediate effect.
"We have invested heavily to build our local wee shop and brand and have enjoyed major success since we opened. We are proud of what we have achieved despite everything thrown at us.
"We are proud of the support from the local West Belfast community and groups that frequently use us."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are investigating the report of a van having been set on fire in west Belfast on Wednesday night, February 22nd.
"It was reported to police at 11.30 pm, that a van parked in the Glen Parade area had been set on fire. At this stage it is believed the window of the van was broken and a fire started inside.
"Enquiries are ongoing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact 101 quoting reference number 2155 of 22/02/23.
"A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."
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