Police Seek Information on Racially Motivated Attack
Police are appealing for anyone with information regarding an attack on a shop in Coalisland, County Tyrone, to come forward. The incident involved the smashing of front windows at a phone shop, which police are investigating as racially motivated criminal damage.
Chaudhary Hamza Riaz, the shop owner, expressed his heartbreak over the attack. His business had been open for only one day when the damage occurred. The police believe the incident took place between 20:00 BST on Monday night and 09:00 BST on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the PSNI stated they are eager to speak with anyone who may have relevant information.
'We Are All Neighbours'
Riaz, who is from the Asian community, described the past few days as difficult.
"We had just opened our doors, full of excitement and hope, looking forward to serving the people of Coalisland," he said.
He continued,
"To arrive and see the damage was a difficult moment. But at the same time, we reminded ourselves why we came here in the first place, to become part of the community and provide a service people can rely on."
Riaz also addressed concerns about the investigation into the attack being racially motivated.
"If that proves to be the case, it is deeply disappointing, but I refuse to let the actions of a few individuals define an entire town," he said.
He highlighted the support received from the local community since the incident.
"Since this happened, the people of Coalisland have shown us kindness, support and friendship. Regardless of where we come from, we are all neighbours, and we are proud to call ourselves part of this community."
Political Condemnation of the Incident
The attack has drawn condemnation from political representatives in the area.
SDLP Mid Ulster councillor Malachy Quinn described the damage as "absolutely disgraceful."
"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."
Community Response and Reopening
Nuala McLernon, a Sinn Féin councillor for Mid Ulster, also expressed her shock and dismay.
"I am shocked and disgusted to hear that a new business in Coalisland has been subject to a racially motivated attack. This is shameful, and it is not who we are.
The people responsible do not represent Coalisland or the values of our community."
Following the attack, the phone shop has reopened. Riaz noted the encouragement he has received from the local community.
"People we had never met before came into the shop, brought cards, flowers, messages of support and words of encouragement. Local representatives called, visited and stood with us," he said.
"What touched us most was seeing complete strangers treat us like neighbours. That reminded us that Coalisland is far bigger than one bad incident.
What happened could have made us feel unwelcome. Instead, the people of Coalisland made us feel at home. For that, we will always be grateful."
Race Incident Statistics in Northern Ireland
PSNI data indicates an increase in race-related incidents across Northern Ireland from April 2025 to March 2026 compared to the previous year.
During this period, there were 2,367 race incidents and 1,507 race crimes recorded, representing the highest 12-month levels since records began in 2004/05.
In Mid Ulster, the number of race incidents rose slightly from 63 to 64, while race crimes decreased by six.
For the same period, Mid Ulster recorded 38 race crimes, the second lowest among police districts. Fermanagh and Omagh had the lowest with 26, while Belfast reported the highest number at 701.
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