A suspected racially motivated arson attack on a former gospel hall on Belfast’s Shankill Road, which was being developed into a business, has been condemned in the Assembly.

UUP MLA Jon Burrows said the fire caused damage to premises owned by a man from the Indian community who was trying to create jobs and provide a local service. Burrows called those responsible cowards and said they were not genuine loyalists or patriots.

He referred to the contribution of Indian volunteers in the Second World War, noting that 2.5 million had served, and described the Indian community in Northern Ireland as entrepreneurial and hard-working.

Burrows disclosed that a party colleague of Indian heritage had informed him of the incident and that he was trying to meet the victim. He stressed that all communities must enjoy equal protection under the rule of law.

The MLA expressed hope that the perpetrators would be caught and face meaningful consequences in court.