Rathfriland: PSNI arrest man on suspicion of hate crimes after criminal damage caused to homes, businesses and cars in Co Down town

By Philip Bradfield
Published 11th Feb 2024, 15:54 BST
Updated 11th Feb 2024, 15:55 BST
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of sectarian motivated hate crimes after criminal damage was caused to homes, businesses and cars in Rathfriland.

The PSNI said they are investigating a number of reports of criminal damage in the town which took place on Saturday 10 February.

A PSNI spokeswoman said that around 6:40am, it was reported that damage was caused to a food business in the Downpatrick Street area and that doors to a building off Caddells Lane had been kicked.

A house in Church Square was also damaged.

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A general view of Downpatrick Street in Rathfriland. PSNI reported that criminal damage was caused in the area on Saturday, which they are treating as a hate crime. Photo: Google maps.A general view of Downpatrick Street in Rathfriland. PSNI reported that criminal damage was caused in the area on Saturday, which they are treating as a hate crime. Photo: Google maps.
A general view of Downpatrick Street in Rathfriland. PSNI reported that criminal damage was caused in the area on Saturday, which they are treating as a hate crime. Photo: Google maps.

Police said that a man matching the description of a suspect had been seen attempting to kick a number of cars parked outside a Newry Street supermarket, with some damage caused.

"These reports are being investigated as sectarian-motivated hate crimes," the PSNI spokeswoman said.

"A 20-year-old man was arrested and has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries."Police have asked anyone with information to call 101, quoting 309 of 10/02/24. Information can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/