POLICE are appealing for information after an incident of criminal damage in the Upper Townsend Terrace area of North Belfast overnight last night, Saturday 03 January.

It was reported that sometime between 10pm last night and 8am this morning paint had been thrown over the windows and door of a house in the area.

Sergeant David Byrne confirmed that police were treating this incident as a hate crime.

He is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information to contact Police at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101.

Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.