Sultan describes family shop being burned during Belfast unrest

Belfast – A family‑owned halal grocery shop in Belfast was set on fire during recent unrest, a caller named Sultan told RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline programme. Sultan said he had first learned of the incident from television news reports and described the shop as a halal grocery that is used by customers of different nationalities.

The shop had only recently reopened after an earlier attack, according to Sultan. He did not provide details about the extent of the damage or whether any staff were injured. The call was made during a segment on Liveline where callers shared personal experiences related to current events in Northern Ireland.

Sultan’s account highlights how local businesses can become targets amid broader tensions. While the incident is still being investigated, the shop’s owners have expressed concern about the safety of their premises and the impact on the community that relies on the store for halal products.

The incident adds to a series of incidents reported across Belfast in recent weeks, with several businesses reporting damage or threats. Local authorities are reportedly reviewing security measures at commercial sites following the unrest.

Residents of County Antrim have expressed support for the shop’s owners and called for increased protection for small businesses that serve diverse communities. The shop’s reopening after the previous attack had been seen as a sign of resilience, but the recent fire has raised new concerns about ongoing safety.

The incident is still under investigation by local police, and no official statement from the shop’s management has yet been released. Further updates are expected as authorities gather more information.

For further details, see the Liveline transcript on RTÉ Radio 1.

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