By Q Radio News
Racist and sectarian graffiti has been condemned in north Belfast.
Offensive slurs were daubed on the side of a properties on Queen Victoria Gardens in the early hours of this morning.
It's understood it was intended to intimidate families viewing vacant homes in the area.
Councillor Conor Maskey branded the incident as ''a repulsive and sinister attempt to intimidate families from moving into this area''.
He added: ''There is no place in our community for these cowards and their thuggish actions.
''There is immense housing stress in North Belfast and there can be no ‘no-go’ areas for families.
''Moving into a home should a time of great relief and joy for many families, not a time of fear.
"Over the course of recent months, numerous homes have been attacked and daubed with sectarian and racist graffiti.
The Sinn Fein representative said his party has been in contact with the PSNI to raise ''very serious concerns around this ongoing campaign of intimidation'' in north Belfast.
"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI," he said.
SDLP councillor Carl Whyte said the community is shocked by ''a racist attack in the form of hateful graffiti''.
“This attack is outrageous and highly distressing for residents,'' he said.
''The community in north Belfast is shocked at this appalling display of racism and hatred.
''I have just visited the local area to show my support for the residents involved.
“Racism has no place in our society. I have contacted the council to have this display of hatred removed and I call on anyone with information on those responsible to bring it forward to the police.”
“There is no place for any form of racism or discrimination in our society. We are trying to build a better and more shared North Belfast and displays of hatred like this one must be condemned unreservedly.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: ''Police are aware of graffiti daubed on walls and a property in the Queen Victoria Gardens area of north Belfast.
''Enquiries are continuing and at this time we are treating this as a hate incident.
''Anyone with any information on who is responsible is encouraged to contact police on 101.''
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