Newtownabbey: restaurant destroyed in latest race-hate attack

A bar-restaurant in Co Antrim has been gutted in an early-morning arson attack which is being treated by police as a "racially-motivated hate crime."

Racist graffiti was also sprayed on a wall at the premises on the Ballyclare Road in Netownabbey.

The attack happened around 1.50am.

Our Reporter James Gould was on the scene this afternoon (see video).

It is understand the premises were recently re-branded an Indian restaurant.

In a statement the PSNI said: "Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and dealt with the fire, which is being treated as deliberate ignition," they said.

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

"Police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 68 21/08/24."

North Belfast MP John Finucane described the attack in Newtownabbey as "sickening and deplorable".

He added: "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