Man arrested in connection with arson attack on homeless charity

By David Young and Jonathan McCambridge (PA)

A man has been arrested by officers investigating an arson attack on a homelessness charity in west Belfast.

Police are also probing menacing graffiti that appeared on a street nearby making threats to anyone involved in repairing the damage to the Welcome Centre building.

The centre on Townsend Street was significantly damaged in the early hours of Tuesday when a stolen Volkswagen Golf was rammed in reverse into the shutters and then set alight.

The suspect, aged in his 40s, was detained on Wednesday morning on suspicion of arson and related offences.

Officers are also investigating the graffiti that was daubed on a wall in the nearby Milford Close area. Police received a report about the incident around 1.20am on Wednesday.

The PSNI has urged anyone with information about the graffiti and the original arson incident to come forward.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson condemned the arson attack and the appearance of graffiti.

He said: “This is an outrageous and mindless attack on a facility which provides help to the homeless.

“I have visited this centre in the past and can testify to the invaluable work they do for our city and those who, through varied circumstances, find themselves without shelter.

“This threat should be lifted immediately and the centre should be supported in being able to reopen their doors.”

Jude Whyte, chairman of the Welcome organisation, said its primary concern was the safety of staff and service users.

He added: “As an emergency measure, we are looking to make alternative arrangements off-site for our drop-in services with partners in Belfast City Centre to ensure that we can provide the vital support we know that service users need in Belfast.

“We are continuing to explore our options with statutory and voluntary partners to ensure the future of our drop-in services for people in need.

“The rest of our services including outreach, accommodation based services and floating support continue to operate as normal.”

He added: “It is important that contractors are able to access the building so that the necessary works can be completed to secure the building.

“It is vital that they are able to do this without fear of violence or intimidation.

“We will do our utmost to support people experiencing homelessness in the days, weeks and months to come.

“We are grateful for the support of many people from all walks of life across the city in recent days.

“We continue to work to find alternative arrangements for the public to drop off much needed donations.”

Damage to Welcome Organisation centre on Townsend Street, west Belfast.