A second protest attack on Allianz UK’s Belfast base within a month is being investigated as “racially-motivated criminal damage”, police have confirmed.
Paint was sprayed onto the windows of the German company’s office in the High Street area of the city centre during the incident, which is understood to be linked to protest action by the Palestinian Action group.
The group posted a photograph of the building’s exterior at around 6pm on Thursday afternoon.
Police have said they are treating the incident as “racially-motivated criminal damage”.
“Police received a report at approximately 4.55am this morning, Thursday November 7, of criminal damage caused to a building in the High Street area of north Belfast,” said a spokesperson.
“Red paint had been sprayed onto the windows of the property – most of the paint has since been washed off.
“We are treating this report as racially-motivated criminal damage and we want to hear from anyone who was in the area at approximately 4.15am.
“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who noticed two individuals in the area who were dressed in black clothing with their hoods up and scarves covering faces to make contact with police.
“The suspects were observed to approach the building from the Bridge Street area and made off in a vehicle.
“Anyone who witnessed what happened or has CCTV, dash-cam or other mobile footage is asked to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 151 07/11/24.
“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
It comes after the same office was occupied and vandalised by pro-Palestinian activists last month during a UK-wide targeting of the firm.
On that occasion, the office was forced to close due to concerns over staff safety.
Allianz UK has been approached for comment.