A shop has been extensively damaged in a paint-bomb attack just hours after it opened.
The brand new Spar at the Twin Spires Centre in West Belfast opened its doors for the first time on Thursday morning but staff were left shocked after two masked men attacked the premises at around 8.15pm last night.
Stock and tills were damaged when tins of a black substance, believed to be driveway sealant, were plastered all over the shop.
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Paula Clarke, one of the shop’s owners, told Belfast Live they have been working all day to clear up the mess so they can open again.
She added: “We only opened at 8am yesterday and there’s been such great feedback from people about how they needed a shop like this in the area. But when we went home last night we didn’t expect this to happen. The shop was closing at 9pm and looking at the CCTV two guys have come in with masks on and thrown black paint all around the place damaging stock. The till area has been badly affected.
“There were four staff in the shop at the time and they’re pretty shocked. It all happened in a few seconds. But we have to look forward and get on with things and get back open again. Everyone’s been working hard all day to clean up the mess and we intend to be open again this afternoon.”
Police said they are appealing for information “following a report of significant criminal damage at a shop in the Northumberland Street area of west Belfast yesterday evening (Thursday 3rd March)”.
A spokesman said: “At approximately 8.15pm, two masked males entered the premises and threw a tin of what is believed to be driveway sealant over the interior, specifically targeting high value items in the shop.
“No one was injured during the incident, however it is believed that thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused.”
Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Dave McKinley added: “This is a disgraceful attack on a newly opened business in the area, and I would appeal to the community to provide information to Police so that we can bring those responsible to justice.”
The police added that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1576 of 03/03/22.
They said that people can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey condemned the attack.
He said: “I want to express support for the staff and the business owner who has taken time to create jobs and investment in West Belfast and I utterly condemn this senseless attack on the new Spar Shop in the Twin Spires Centre.
“West Belfast is a welcoming place and this attack by these mindless thugs is in no way reflective of people who live and work here.
“These thugs need to get off the backs of our community and I would appeal to anyone who has information on this attack to pass it onto the Police so those responsible can be brought to justice.
“Finally I want to express solidarity to the staff who witnessed this attack and praise them for their perseverance in reopening today again, I want to wish them and the store every success.”
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