Police are treating the east Belfast incident as a homophobic hate crime. (Belfast Live)
Police are treating the east Belfast incident as a homophobic hate crime. (Belfast Live)
A postman has been fired after footage showed him kicking over a rainbow-coloured garden gnome.
The incident occurred on 6 December in east Belfast at around 3.35pm. Police were informed the following day.
Ring Doorbell footage showed the postman delivering mail, before checking to see if anyone was around, and then kicking over the plant pot containing a Pride flag and gnome.
One of the occupants of the house spoke to Belfast Live following the incident.
‘It felt like a targeted message’
They said: “We were absolutely stunned when we checked the Ring footage. You never expect to see your own postman looking around to make sure the coast is clear and then deliberately kicking over your property.
“It wasn’t just a gnome and a planter. It felt like a targeted message, and that’s what has really shaken us.
“There’s no doubt in our minds that this was a homophobic act. These items weren’t in his way. He sought them out and kicked them over on purpose.”
@pinknews
A postman from Belfast has been fired after kicking over a rainbow gnome and Pride flag plant pot on December 7. Ring footage shows the postman delivering mail, then checking to see if anyone is around before kicking over the plant pot and gnome. One of the occupants of the house spoke to Belfast Live: “We were absolutely stunned when we checked the Ring footage. You never expect to see your own postman looking around to make sure the coast is clear and then deliberately kicking over your property.” The police have confirmed to Belfast Live that they are treating the case as a hate crime and the Royal Mail have confirmed that his contract was terminated immediately. #postman #royalmail #prideflag #gnome #lgbtqia
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Following the incident, Royal Mail confirmed that the agency worker’s contract was terminated with “immediate effect”.
Police confirmed to Belfast Live that they are treating the case as a hate crime.
Inspector Adams said: “We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have any information which could assist with our enquiries – including CCTV or other footage – to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 587 of 07/12/25.
“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. ”
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