Cllr Tim Attwood said:

“I condemn the grotesque and offensive comments made by Cllr Jolene Bunting and Jayden Fransen from Britain First outside the Islamic Centre last night.

“There can be no place in Belfast for abusive comments such as ‘Muslims communities are trying to achieve colonisation’ or ‘Campaigning against dens of inequities.’

“Cllr Bunting should disassociate herself from these shameless and reckless comments. Given the increase in racist attacks, we need to need to express solidarity with all communities including our Islamic neighbours.

“The overwhelming majority of people in Belfast want a compassionate city which welcomes all communities to Belfast. There is already great work ongoing across Belfast to tackle racism, we must build on this rather than give into those who spout hate.”