There has been widespread condemnation of a ‘racially-motivated’ attack on a new phone shop in Coalisland.

Windows at the front of the premises on Main Street were smashed at some point between 8pm on Monday night and 9am on Tuesday (June 30).

A PSNI spokesperson said they are keen to speak with anyone who may have information.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Nuala McLernon described the incident as "absolutely disgraceful" and stated that the behaviour has no place in the local community.

The PSNI have appealed for information about the incident at Main Street, Coalisland.

placeholder image — The PSNI have appealed for information about the incident at Main Street, Coalisland.

She said: "Anyone who chooses to invest in our town, create employment and provide a valuable service to the town should be welcomed and supported, not intimidated. This new business is a positive addition to our town.

"The PSNI are treating this incident as a racially motivated hate crime. There is no place for racism, hatred, or intimidation in our society, and those responsible must be brought to justice.

"Those responsible do not speak for Coalisland. Our community is welcoming, inclusive, and proud of those who choose to invest here.

"My thoughts are with the business owners and their staff following this distressing ordeal.”

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Mid Ulster Workers’ Party representative, Hugh Scullion also condemned the attack.

Mr Scullion called on all those involved in political, civil, church, and community organisations to send a clear message to those who seek to threaten and intimidate ethnic minorities because of their religion, colour, or race that it is those, with their ideology of hatred and prejudice who are not welcome in our communities.

"There can be no excuse or justification given for attacks on migrants who have chosen to live and work in Northern Ireland or for those refugees who have had to flee from their homelands because of wars, oppression, and persecutionm,” he said.

Condemning the attack SDLP Mid Ulster councillor Malachy Quinn said the damage was "absolutely disgraceful".

He added: "A new business opening should be welcomed. It brings new customers, creates more footfall, adds life to the town centre and shows confidence in Coalisland.

"There is no place for this in Coalisland. Whether it is vandalism, intimidation, racism, or all of the above, it is totally unacceptable."