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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

Grenfell graffiti targets Ulster Rugby's Kingspan Stadium

Graffiti painted on Ulster Rugby's Kingspan Stadium referencing the Grenfell Tower disaster is being investigated by police.

The graffiti at the stadium reads "Grenfell" and "No Justice", "No Peace" and appeared on the walls and gates on Onslow Parde/Ravenhill Park.

It alludes to the fact that K15 insulation manufactured by Kingspan made up 5% of insulation used in the tower block, which caught fire and led to the deaths of 72 people in 2017.

Read more: Ulster Rugby urged to reconsider relationship with sponsor Kingspan

Kingspan has previously said that the exterior cladding, which it did not manufacture, was deemed by the Grenfell Tower inquiry to be the “principal reason” for how quickly the fire spread.

The Irish insulation firm is Ulster Ruby's shirt sponsor and also holds naming rights to their home stadium in Ravenhill in south Belfast.

A local resident confirmed the graffiti had appeared overnight, after yesterday's 15-14 defeat to Munster.

"Obviously it happened after the match last night and it's been a bit of a talking point among neighbours," they said.

"It's all Grenfell-oriented, it's very obvious what it's about.

"That's for Ulster Rugby to comment on, people have their views on that but that's for Ulster to speak about, not for me."

The resident said it was highly unusual to see something like this happen in what is quite a peaceful area generally.

"It's criminal damage, anti-social behaviour, whatever you want to call it.

"It's a quiet residential area, it's the first time something has happened to that capacity.

"It's their call (Ulster Rugby), it's their problem, they're the ones that are sponsored by Kingspan, it's got nothing to do with us as residents."

They went on to say that they would be surprised if there was no footage of the person carrying out the act.

"The entire walls, gates and that whole side of the ground is covered.

"Someone has spent a lot of time and effort doing it, I don't mean that in a nice way, but I don't know how quick these guys work but there's a lot there.

"Ulster Rugby have a camera above the gate there pointing down at the ground there.

"Whoever did it, if the security cameras were on, the entire thing would have been caught on camera.

"The street is a thoroughfare between South and East Belfast and it's a busy street, so they must have been quick to be in and out to not be spotted.

"A lot of people have cameras on their house, those doorbell cameras and that so I'd imagine the police will be following that up."

The PSNI confirmed it is investigating the incident.

PSNI Sergeant Whiteside said: “Just after 11am today, Monday 2 January, we received a report of graffiti at a sports stadium in Ravenhill Park.

“Officers attended and noted a considerable amount of graffiti over the front of the premises.

“Our enquiries have just begun and we would appeal to anyone with information, particularly householders in the area who may have CCTV or other footage which may assist, to contact police at Strandtown on 101, quoting reference number 539 of 02/01/23.”

A spokesperson for Ulster Rugby said: “Ulster Rugby is in contact with the PSNI following criminal damage to Kingspan Stadium overnight.

"Anyone with information, particularly householders in the area who may have CCTV or other footage which may assist, are urged to contact Strandtown PSNI on 101, quoting reference number 539 of 02/01/23.

“The club would like to thank local residents for their ongoing help and support. No further comment will be made while the investigation is ongoing.”

Kingspan has been approached for comment.

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