Alliance Party leader Naomi Long MLA has said that the party will remain firm in delivering for the people of Northern Ireland, following a confirmed sectarian-motivated hate crime incident at Alliance Headquarters.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, which Ms Long condemned as a "sinister attack".

Ms Long stated that those responsible were deliberately trying to incite fear and intimidation but issued a direct reminder that "these reckless acts will never deter Alliance". She further highlighted the wider issue of toxicity in public life: "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."

The Alliance leader stressed that everyone in public life must play their part in "reducing the temperature" of the current toxic rhetoric and demonisation, warning that it has a real-life impact and is not conducive to stability or people's safety.

Ms Long concluded by thanking the police for their prompt and professional response and their ongoing efforts to investigate the incident.