06/11/2025
Alliance Party Offices Targeted In Suspected Hate Crime
Police have launched an investigation following a report of criminal damage at the headquarters of the Alliance Party.
Graffiti was sprayed on the window, door shutters and a fence at the Farmley Road building.
The incident is being treated as a sectarian-motivated hate crime.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: "We have launched a proactive criminal investigation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland remains committed to doing everything we can to ensure our elected representatives and their staff can undertake their work free from harassment, intimidation or any other form of criminality.
"As part of our enquiries, we are appealing to anyone with information or who may have CCTV, dashcam or other video footage to get in touch. The number to call is 101 quoting reference 453 05/06/25."
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long MLA said: "Alliance will always stand firm in delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.
"Those responsible for this sinister attack on party Headquarters were deliberately trying to incite fear and intimidation. But we will remind them that these reckless acts will never deter Alliance.
"The abhorrent incidents that we've seen in recent months directed at politicians and political parties have been utterly unacceptable and are a direct consequence of the harmful rhetoric being spread by individuals both in the chamber and on social media.
"This serves as yet another reminder that everyone in public life must play their part in reducing the temperature of the current toxic rhetoric and demonisation. It has a real-life impact and isn't conducive to stability or people’s safety.
"I would like to thank the police for their prompt and professional response, as well as their ongoing efforts to investigate the incident."
Graffiti was sprayed on the window, door shutters and a fence at the Farmley Road building.
The incident is being treated as a sectarian-motivated hate crime.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: "We have launched a proactive criminal investigation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland remains committed to doing everything we can to ensure our elected representatives and their staff can undertake their work free from harassment, intimidation or any other form of criminality.
"As part of our enquiries, we are appealing to anyone with information or who may have CCTV, dashcam or other video footage to get in touch. The number to call is 101 quoting reference 453 05/06/25."
"Those responsible for this sinister attack on party Headquarters were deliberately trying to incite fear and intimidation. But we will remind them that these reckless acts will never deter Alliance.
"The abhorrent incidents that we've seen in recent months directed at politicians and political parties have been utterly unacceptable and are a direct consequence of the harmful rhetoric being spread by individuals both in the chamber and on social media.
"This serves as yet another reminder that everyone in public life must play their part in reducing the temperature of the current toxic rhetoric and demonisation. It has a real-life impact and isn't conducive to stability or people’s safety.
"I would like to thank the police for their prompt and professional response, as well as their ongoing efforts to investigate the incident."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2005
Police comment on hate crime at Alliance conference
In a PSNI first, an officer from Community Safety Branch has attended a fringe Alliance Party Conference to comment on hate crime in Northern Ireland. Inspector Robin Dempsey outlined what steps the PSNI is taking to combat hate crime at the Party Conference in the Dunadry Hotel.
Police comment on hate crime at Alliance conference
In a PSNI first, an officer from Community Safety Branch has attended a fringe Alliance Party Conference to comment on hate crime in Northern Ireland. Inspector Robin Dempsey outlined what steps the PSNI is taking to combat hate crime at the Party Conference in the Dunadry Hotel.
18 November 2013
Weekend Bomb Attacks Condemned
A spate of bomb attacks over the weekend has been condemned by the First and deputy First Minister and parties across the political spectrum. A police patrol was attacked with a pipe bomb in County Tyrone on Saturday. A security alert began in the Ballycolman estate, Strabane, at about 20:25, following news that something had been thrown at police.
Weekend Bomb Attacks Condemned
A spate of bomb attacks over the weekend has been condemned by the First and deputy First Minister and parties across the political spectrum. A police patrol was attacked with a pipe bomb in County Tyrone on Saturday. A security alert began in the Ballycolman estate, Strabane, at about 20:25, following news that something had been thrown at police.
11 December 2012
Gang Throws Petrol Bomb Into Police Car
A masked gang has thrown a petrol bomb into an unmarked police car. A group of men surrounded the car, smashing it with iron bars before throwing a petrol bomb inside. The unmarked police car was parked outside Alliance Party MP Naomi Long’s east Belfast office.
Gang Throws Petrol Bomb Into Police Car
A masked gang has thrown a petrol bomb into an unmarked police car. A group of men surrounded the car, smashing it with iron bars before throwing a petrol bomb inside. The unmarked police car was parked outside Alliance Party MP Naomi Long’s east Belfast office.
06 December 2012
Ford Calls For Condemnation Of Flag Violence
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has called on the Assembly to show it is united in its opposition to violence over the union flag vote at City Hall. The call follows an escalation of attacks on Alliance offices and representatives.
Ford Calls For Condemnation Of Flag Violence
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has called on the Assembly to show it is united in its opposition to violence over the union flag vote at City Hall. The call follows an escalation of attacks on Alliance offices and representatives.
11 August 2011
Protestors Fail To Confront Alliance Leader
Republicans have this morning missed their target and failed to confront the NI Justice Minister over a prison dispute. They staged their protest in support of prisoners at the Alliance Party headquarters in south Belfast - but failed in their mission to come face to face with the Alliance Leader David Ford who is also the Justice Minister.
Protestors Fail To Confront Alliance Leader
Republicans have this morning missed their target and failed to confront the NI Justice Minister over a prison dispute. They staged their protest in support of prisoners at the Alliance Party headquarters in south Belfast - but failed in their mission to come face to face with the Alliance Leader David Ford who is also the Justice Minister.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.