Police consider damage to DUP portraits a hate crime

The portrait of Lord Wallace Browne that hung in Belfast City Hall before it was damaged

Belfast City Council The portrait of Lord Wallace Browne. He wears a robe with gold ribbons and a gold medallion. — The portrait of Lord Wallace Browne that hung in Belfast City Hall before it was damaged

Damage caused to a portrait of a former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) mayor in Belfast City Hall is being treated as a hate crime by police.

Wallace Browne’s painting was removed from a wall and on October 19 the glass was smashed.

A Sinn Féin staffer resigned after admitting his involvement at the incident.

It is understood police have not interviewed anyone in connection with the investigation so far.

The empty space on the wall outside the Banqueting Hall of Belfast City Hall

PA Media A hallway with double wooden doors, there is a large empty space on the wall where the portrait hung before it was damaged. — The empty space on the wall outside the Banqueting Hall of Belfast City Hall

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

“Police continue to investigate the criminal damage caused to works of art at Belfast City Hall and are treating the report as a hate crime,” a spokeswoman said in a statement.

“The criminal damage is said to have occurred sometime on Saturday evening, October 19, and was subsequently reported to the police on Monday, October 21.”

‘Very disappointed’

The incident happened after an event at City Hall to mark the 20th anniversary of an Irish language group.

Belfast City Council said it is investigating the circumstances and will assist police with their investigation.

Last week it said the damaged portrait was being “assessed by a conservator who can advise on any further repairs”.

Irish-language group Glór na Móna said they were “extremely disappointed” to hear of the incident and would assist the council with its investigation.