Police in Northern Ireland are investigating criminal damage to houses in multiple occupation in east Belfast's Templemore Avenue and Paxton Street areas. The attacks happened at around 00:45 BST on Tuesday 31 March. Windows were smashed and graffiti stating 'No HMO' was applied to the properties.

A family inside one targeted home had two young girls present. They suffered no physical injuries but were left badly shaken. Officers are pursuing a hate crime motivation as one line of inquiry.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth linked the incidents to online agitators who use HMOs to promote anti-immigrant views. He stated the local community would be disgusted by the attacks.

Smyth pointed to broader HMO issues as a result of insufficient social housing from the Stormont Executive. He advocated for rent caps and rapid expansion of social housing.

A house in multiple occupation accommodates three or more people from separate households who share facilities such as a kitchen. Properties converted from single-family use require planning permission and a local council licence in Northern Ireland. Operating without a licence constitutes a criminal offence.

Planning regulations cap HMOs at a maximum of 20% of houses in designated areas and 10% in other locations.