THE PSNI IS investigating reports of a “racially-motivated” arson on the Shankill Road in Belfast.

At around 2.45am, the PSNI and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service received a report of a fire at an old Gospel Hall.

Planning permission was granted last year for a change of use to the old Gospel Hall to retail use.

It was set to become an international food store.

The fire service confirmed that the fire had been caused deliberately and that the building had been totally gutted by the blaze.

A PSNI spokesperson said detectives have begun carrying out enquiries and the community will see a police presence in the area today.

The spokesperson added that the “out-of-use building had been bought by legitimate business people who would have brought jobs to the local community”.

“As with any crime motivated by hate, we will be providing them with an enhanced level of supervision, investigation and support,” said the PSNI.

The PSNI added that it does not “underestimate the impact hate-related crimes have on victims, their families and wider communities”.

“While we have a key role to play in tackling, preventing and supporting victims of hate incidents and hate crimes, this is a wider societal issue which cannot be resolved by policing alone,” said the PSNI.

It encouraged anyone with information in relation to this arson attack make contact.