An attempted arson attack on a mosque in Co Down once targeted by loyalists dressed as the Ku Klux Klan has been strongly condemned by politicians and the Muslim Council of NI.
It is one of a series of overnight race-hate incidents being investigated by police.
Cars were also torched and abuse shouted at restaurant staff in separate incidents in Belfast.
The Bangladesh Islamic Centre on Greenwell Street in Newtownards, which was targeted by a gang of men dressed in white robes splashed in blood back in 2018, was attacked at around 1am.
A petrol bomb was thrown but failed to ignite and racist graffiti was daubed on the building.
Chief Inspector Hutchinson said: “This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime and I want to send a strong message to those who carried this out, that this type of activity will not be tolerated and any reports of hate crime are taken very seriously.”
A picture of at least nine men doing fascist salutes while carrying wooden crosses sparked global outrage almost six years ago when it was broadcast around the world on on CNN, Al Jazeera and many other international news outlets.
The disturbing incident was investigated as a hate crime and linked to loyalist paramilitaries, namely the UDA.
A gang of men dressed as the KKK outside the Bangladesh Islamic Centre in Newtownards back in October 2018.
It came a year after a pigs head was left on the doorstep of the Islamic centre and graffiti was daubed on its walls.
The Muslim Council of Northern Ireland has condemned the latest attack and expressed “deep sorrow” over it described as “mindless Islamophobic hate”.
“We know that those perpetrators represent only a small minority of individuals with a far right agenda which is detrimental to the prosperity of Northern Ireland,” a spokesperson said.
“We extend our warm gratitude for the overwhelming support received from all quarters including churches, MLAs, and neighbours.
“We are also indebted to the thousands of people that came out on the streets of Belfast yesterday and today denouncing such attacks with a resounding ‘NO’ to Islamophobia.
“We value our relationships with all communities and continue to work with relevant authorities on the betterment of society and to restore the friendly face of the Northern Irish Society which it is well known for.”
Mayor of Ards and North Down Alistair Cathcart also condemned the latest attack:
“The mosque has been here in Ards for more than 20 years and its members are our neighbours, friends and colleagues,” he said.
“It is a great relief that nobody was hurt during the incident.
“There is no justification for racism, violence and intimidation in our communities and like many others locally and nationally I would call for it to stop.”
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong said: “There is no place in our community for the hate, xenophobia, racism or islamophobia we have seen on the streets over recent weeks and days and our Muslim community here in Newtownards should be free to worship without fear or intimidation.”
Separately, cars were also set alight in Tavanagh Street and Sandhurst Gardens in Belfast – both incidents are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.
The rear door of a restaurant on Ormeau Road was also kicked and racial slurs shouted at the workers inside.
It follows several nights of disorder in Belfast.
Sporadic violence has broken out across the city with homes and businesses targeted in racially-motivated attacks.
Public and politicians react to disorder in Belfast
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey slammed those responsible for the latest attacks.
“It is absolutely outrageous to learn that a mosque was attacked with a petrol bomb and racist graffiti in Newtownards,” she said.
“A number of cars were burned, and a restaurant attacked on the Ormeau Road with workers subject to vile racist abuse.
“This is a continuation of the disgraceful, evil and reprehensible racist attacks that fly in the face of the vast majority of the people and communities of Belfast who are welcoming and embrace diversity.
“Thousands of people took to the streets of Belfast on Friday and Saturday to make it clear that the people of Belfast stand against racism, hatred and intolerance in all its forms.
“Anyone with information on these attacks should bring it forward to the Police who must ensure those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.”
It follows similar scenes in English towns and cities after the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Police said five further arrests were made on Friday, bringing the total number of people arrested here to 31.
An anti-racism rally is taking place at Belfast City Hall this afternoon.
On Friday, about 1,000 people gathered in Belfast for a counter-protest against several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators.
Although the protests passed off peacefully, some arrests were made later in the evening.
A 48-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy are the latest suspects to be arrested in connection with public disorder.
The man has been detained on suspicion of intentionally encouraging riot and remains in police custody.
The teenager was arrested in connection with disorder near the Broadway Roundabout on July 15 and 16 and is being questioned on suspicion of riot and possession of an offensive weapon.
A 22-year-old man was arrested following yesterday’s protests when he threw a bottle at a police vehicle. He has since been charged with offences including disorderly behaviour and criminal damage. He is due to appear in court on September 6.
A 51-year-old man also arrested following the city centre protest activity has also been charged with disorderly behaviour and will appear in court today.
Police at City Hall on Friday as two demonstrations took place (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Meanwhile two 14-year-old boys were arrested in Londonderry following protest activity in Guildhall Square.
One teen has been charged with possession of petrol bomb in suspicious circumstances, while the other has been charged with possessing articles for use with petrol bombs.
Both suspects appeared before a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday.
They were detained after petrol bombs were found by police in the vicinity of Spencer Road.
A 37-year-old man was arrested in Portrush on suspicion of ‘intentionally encouraging riot’ in relation to online activity. He remains in police custody at present.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “We continue to investigate all reports made to us in relation to the recent disorder on our streets and we will be making further arrests.
“We will continue to have a significant visible policing operation in place across Northern Ireland over the weekend to ensure our communities are kept safe.”
Meanwhile, a 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of Publishing Written Material Intended to Stir Up Hatred remains in custody.
A total of 31 people have been arrested and 24 have been charged.