POLICE are investigating criminal damage of a car in West Belfast in the early hours of this morning.

Inspector Roy Watton said, “Police received a report at approximately 2.45 am this morning that three men had smashed the windows of a blue Seat car parked outside a house in the Blacks Road area.

“The men made of in the direction of Ladybrook. The car was substantially damaged and we are investigating this attack as a hate crime.

“I appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or anyone with information relating to it to contact police at Woodbourne on 101. Or alternatively contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”