Family targeted in race-motivated arson attack in Newtownabbey

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

A family with two young children have been targeted in what police are treating as a “race-motivated arson attack” in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim on Thursday.

Reports of a car on fire outside a family home in the Station Road area were made to police around 1.45am.

Police and fire and rescue attended the blaze, which was put out, but the vehicle was destroyed.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We believe this fire was started deliberately by two men wearing dark clothing, who were seen running away from the scene.

“It appears that this family, who have two young children, were targeted solely because of the colour of their skin.

“It is absolutely disgraceful that hard-working people should be victimised in this way.

“As with any crime motivated by hate, we will be providing them with an enhanced level of supervision, investigation and support.”

Inquiries are ongoing.