Local politicians and community representatives have condemned a series of attacks at a shop in West Belfast.
The new Spar at the Twin Spires on Northumberland Street first opened its doors on Thursday, March 3, and has already endured two separate attacks.
Hours after opening on Thursday, staff were left shocked after two masked men attacked the premises, when tins of a black substance, believed to be driveway sealant, were plastered all over the store.
Read more: West Belfast Spar attacked for a second time in just four days
A further attack at around 8.45pm on Sunday, March 5, resulted in a man smashing the shop's windows, possibly with a hammer.
To stand in solidarity with shop workers, community representatives and local politicians descended on the Spar on Monday.
Speaking to Belfast Live, West Belfast MP, Paul Maskey, said he "utterly condemned" the series of attacks.
He added: "We were down today to speak to the owners and the staff to say that we all stand in solidarity with them. We are appreciative of what they've done, they've opened up a new business in the heart of West Belfast on the Falls Road, creating employment opportunities for people in the area.
"Those involved in the attacks should stop immediately, no one in our community wants to see these attacks happening. We're sending our solidarity and will stand with the owners as well as the employees of this Spar.
"The small number who are carrying out this attacks don't represent us. Our community is a lot better, stronger, and more welcoming than those involved in the attacks."
Members of the Falls Residents Association were also at the Spar to show support for the owners and employees on Monday. In a post on Facebook, the group said: "We will continue to support the management and staff during this very difficult and frightening time and we hope that last night's incident was the last.
"Let's hope that the shop can move on in peace in providing a vital retail service to the local community."
The group's Chair, Fra McCann, added that "those responsible do not represent the people in this community."
"Falls Residents and other Community Groups are about positive progress and the future development of the Falls and Divis area. We will actively work with the shop and work towards a positive future for everyone," he continued.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "[Sunday's incident] of criminal damage happened at around 8.45pm. A man approached and smashed windows of the shop, possibly with a hammer. The man, who was wearing a mask, was described as wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, grey trainers and a dark-coloured jacket with a distinctive orange jacket underneath.
"In [the first] incident, two masked males entered the same premises last Thursday (3rd March) around 8.15pm and threw a tin of what is believed to be driveway sealant over the interior targeting high value items in the shop."
Local Policing Team Sergeant Peter Tew added: “These are disgraceful attacks on a newly opened business in the area, and we would ask the community to assist Police so that we can bring those responsible to justice.
"Anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or who may have any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1702 on 06/03/22."
A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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