Co Antrim restaurant attack treated as racially-motivated hate crime

A racist attack on at County Antrim business has been condemned by local representatives.

An Indian-Nepalese restaurant in Newtownabbey was set alight and racist graffiti sprayed on a wall in the early hours of Wednesday, 21 August.

Police received a report of arson which is thought to have occurred at the licensed premises in the Ballyclare Road area.

Parts of the Ballyclare Road were closed as firefighters dealt with the blaze.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PSNI confirmed that the incident was deliberate and is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane described the attack as ‘sickening and deplorable’.

The North Belfast MP said: “The racist attack on a business in Newtownabbey in the early hours of this morning was absolutely sickening and deplorable.

"This business operates to serve our community and employ workers. It is totally unacceptable that it has been targeted in this way.

“These disgusting and disgraceful attacks which are fuelled by racism, hatred and discrimination have no place in our inclusive and forward-looking society.

“Those intent on causing hate and stirring up division must face the full force of the law, and I would appeal to anyone who may have information on this incident to bring it forward to police.”

MLA Pam Cameron also condemned the attack.

The DUP MLA said “This was an attack on a local business. There can be no justification for attacking any property and particularly for the sinister graffiti that was sprayed onto the building.

"The owners of the restaurant have been working hard to build up their business and contribute to the local community. Their efforts are a world away from those with nothing to offer but hate, destruction and chaos.

"We will continue to stand with all those who want to build a better Northern Ireland, and particularly with those who feel fearful because of recent attacks such as this.”

Detective Sergeant Crothers added: “At around 1.50am, it was reported that a property was set alight in the area. Graffiti was also reported on the premises following the incident.

"Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and dealt with the fire, which is being treated as deliberate ignition.

“Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the incident is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime."

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