A new phone shop in Coalisland has suffered a “race motivated” attack, having their windows to the front of the premises smashed just one day after opening.
The attack was discovered on Tuesday (June 30) at The Phone Shop on Main Street around 9am.
Acting immediately, Independent Cllr for the Torrent DEA, Dan Kerr condemned the attack as “totally unacceptable” and not representative of the views of the “overwhelming majority” of people in the Coalisland area.
He said: “This type of behaviour in Coalisland is unacceptable, totally unacceptable. If anyone has any information who is responsible regarding this disgusting attack I would like to know who they are.
“Anyone setting up a business, anywhere/any place should be free to do so free from threats or unwanted vandalism.
“I will be making sure to call with the owners of the shop to reassure them this type of behaviour doesn’t represent the OVERWHELMING majority people of Coalisland and surrounding areas.”
And the Cllr stayed true to his word. That afternoon he visited with owner, Ham who by that time had boarded up the damaged windows.
Providing an update, the Cllr said: “I was very to happy to call in with Ham, the Phone Shop owner and send my solidarity to him and also mention that Coalisland fully supports him and such attacks aren’t supported or tolerated in the Coalisland area and wish his new business the very best of luck.”
Cllr Malachy Quinn also took the opportunity to lambast those responsible, branding the incident “absolutely disgraceful”.
“A new business opening should be welcomed,” he added. “It brings new customers, creates more footfall, adds life to the town centre and shows confidence in Coalisland.
Instead, someone has decided to wreck the front of the shop and cause damage to a business that has only just opened its doors.
“I have spoken with the owner, who believes this may have been racially motivated. The matter has been reported to the police and I hope it is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“There is no place for this in Coalisland. Whether it is vandalism, intimidation, racism, or all of the above, it is totally unacceptable.”
Police in the Dungannon area are investigating the incident as a race motivated criminal damage and are keen to speak with anyone who may have information to assist.
This incident has occurred between the hours of 8pm 29/06/26 and 9am 30/06/26. Did you see or hear anything suspicious? If so we would like to speak with you.
You can contact Police by calling 101 and quote reference no. 381 of 30/06/26, or call and ask to speak with the Torrent Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Torrent NPT can also be contacted via email on NPTTorrent@psni.police.uk.
Armagh I enquired with police to see if this attack was in any way linked to a similar racially aggravated incident which also occurred at a Phone Shop in the Markethill area yesterday.
Police confirmed the incidents are not believed to be connected.
