Shop owner 'heartbroken' as police investigate racially motivated damage

A shop owner whose front business windows were smashed in what police are investigating as race motivated criminal damage, said it is heartbreaking.

Chaudhary Hamza Riaz's phone shop business had only been open for one day in the County Tyrone town of Coalisland when the attack took place.

Police believe the damage occurred at some point between 20:00 BST on Monday night and 09:00 BST on Tuesday.

A PSNI spokesperson said they are keen to speak with anyone who may have information.

Riaz, who is from the Asian community, said it has been a difficult few days.

"We had just opened our doors, full of excitement and hope, looking forward to serving the people of Coalisland," he said.

"To arrive and see the damage was a difficult moment. But at the same time, we reminded ourselves why we came here in the first place, to become part of the community and provide a service people can rely on."

He added that it is concerning that police are investigating the matter as race motivated criminal damage.

"If that proves to be the case, it is deeply disappointing, but I refuse to let the actions of a few individuals define an entire town," he said.

"Since this happened, the people of Coalisland have shown us kindness, support and friendship. Regardless of where we come from, we are all neighbours, and we are proud to call ourselves part of this community."

The incident has promoted condemnation from political representatives.

SDLP Mid Ulster councillor Malachy Quinn branded the damage as "absolutely disgraceful".

He added: "A new business opening should be welcomed. It brings new customers, creates more footfall, adds life to the town centre and shows confidence in Coalisland.

"There is no place for this in Coalisland. Whether it is vandalism, intimidation, racism, or all of the above, it is totally unacceptable."

Nuala McLernon is a Sinn Féin councillor for Mid Ulster.

"I am shocked and disgusted to hear that a new business in Coalisland has been subject to a racially motivated attack. This is shameful, and it is not who we are.

"The people responsible do not represent Coalisland or the values of our community."

The phone shop in Coalisland is back open and Riaz says he has been encouraged by the support he has since received from the local community.

"People we had never met before came into the shop, brought cards, flowers, messages of support and words of encouragement. Local representatives called, visited and stood with us," he said.

"What touched us most was seeing complete strangers treat us like neighbours. That reminded us that Coalisland is far bigger than one bad incident.

"What happened could have made us feel unwelcome. Instead, the people of Coalisland made us feel at home. For that, we will always be grateful."

PSNI figures sho that from April 2025 to March 2026 there was an increase in race incidents across Northern Ireland compared to the previous 12 months.

In that period, the number of both race incidents (2,367) and race crimes (1,507) in NI are the highest 12 month levels recorded since the data series began in 2004/05.

In Mid Ulster during the last year the number of race incidents went from 63 to 64 and the number of race crimes fell by six.

For the period April 2025 to March 2026, Mid Ulster had the second lowest number of race crimes out of all police districts with 38 recorded.

Fermanagh and Omagh district area had the lowest race crimes for this period with 26.

Belfast had the highest with 701.