Alliance leader Naomi Long has said that the people responsible for the “sinister attack” on their party headquarters in Newtownabbey were “deliberately trying to incite fear and intimidation.”
It comes after the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed they are investigating criminal damage and have “launched a proactive criminal investigation.”
Their statement reads: “It was reported on Wednesday morning, 5th November, that graffiti had been sprayed on to external window and door shutters of the Farmley Road building and also a fence.”
“This is being treated as a sectarian-motivated hate crime and could have occurred in the days prior to the report being made.”
Long, who also serves as Justice Minister, said Alliance will “always stand firm in delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.”
“Those responsible for this sinister attack on party Headquarters were deliberately trying to incite fear and intimidation. But we will remind them that these reckless acts will never deter Alliance.”
“The abhorrent incidents that we’ve seen in recent months directed at politicians and political parties have been utterly unacceptable and are a direct consequence of the harmful rhetoric being spread by individuals both in the chamber and on social media,” she added.
“This serves as yet another reminder that everyone in public life must play their part in reducing the temperature of the current toxic rhetoric and demonisation. It has a real-life impact and isn’t conducive to stability or people’s safety.”
In October, a “masked mob” turned up outside Naomi Long’s home to protest.
The Police are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch with them.
“As part of our enquiries, we are appealing to anyone with information or who may have CCTV, dashcam or other video footage to get in touch. The number to call is 101 quoting reference 453 05/06/25.”
