Masked gang cause thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to new Spar store

Masked gang cause thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to new Spar store
A masked gang have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage in an attack on a newly opened Spar shop in west Belfast.

The two masked men poured driveway sealant around a Spar shop on Northumberland Street during the attack on Thursday evening.

The new Spar at the Twin Spires Centre in West Belfast had opened its doors for the first time on Thursday morning

At approximately 8.15pm, two masked males entered the premises and threw a tin of what is believed to be black driveway sealant over the interior, targeting high value items in the shop.

No one was injured during the incident, but it is believed that thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Dave McKinley said: “This is a disgraceful attack on a newly opened business in the area, and I would appeal to the community to provide information to Police so that we can bring those responsible to justice.”

Paula Clarke, one of the shop’s owners, told Belfast Live they have been working all day Friday to clear up the mess in order to reopen .

“We only opened at 8am yesterday and there’s been such great feedback from people about how they needed a shop like this in the area. But when we went home last night we didn’t expect this to happen,” she said.

“The shop was closing at 9pm and looking at the CCTV two guys have come in with masks on and thrown black paint all around the place damaging stock. The till area has been badly affected.

“There were four staff in the shop at the time and they’re pretty shocked. It all happened in a few seconds. But we have to look forward and get on with things and get back open again. Everyone’s been working hard all day to clean up the mess and we intend to be open again this afternoon.”

Police are appealing for information “following a report of significant criminal damage at a shop in the Northumberland Street area of west Belfast yesterday evening (Thursday 3rd March)”.

“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have any information in relation to it, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1576 of 03/03/22.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.