Kelly Bonner

The Police Service of Northern Ireland defended its response after a vacant house in Ardoyne was attacked with hammers and paint in what is being investigated as a racially motivated hate crime, followed shortly by a hit-and-run collision involving a motorbike. Local councillor Paul McCusker said residents felt abandoned when officers did not remain at the property, while disputing that the attack was racially motivated and describing it as likely involving criminal elements. The PSNI said it received 82 calls for service during the period, used a drone to monitor the area, prioritised threats to life and safety, and will increase its presence in Ardoyne while investigations continue.