Racial abuse of children in south Belfast investigated

Police are appealing for information after receiving reports about the ongoing racial abuse of children in south Belfast.

The PSNI said they were contacted on Wednesday about anti-social behaviour at Teutonic Gardens.

"It was reported that there has been ongoing verbal racial abuse and anti-social behaviour by a group of young people directed at a woman and two young children," Insp McCrum said.

The incidents were reported to have been going on for the last two months.

Police said they are treating the incidents as racially motived hate crimes and will increase their presence in the area.

"Officers will be patrolling the area to prevent any more incidents of this nature. This will not be tolerated," Insp McCrum said.

The officer added: "Hate crime has no place in our society whatsoever.

"Be reassured, we will be relentless in our approach to identify those involved."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.