Family of six escape blazing home after racially motivated arson attack

A family have escaped from their home in Co Antrim following what police have described as a racially motivated hate crime.
By Valerie Martin
Published 8th Jul 2022, 15:08 BST
Updated 8th Jul 2022, 15:25 BST
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The incident happened in the early hours of Friday (July 8) in the Larne Street area of Ballymena.

One of the occupants smelt smoke and raised the alarm at around 12.45am. It is understood a tyre had been placed at the front door of the house and set alight.

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A police spokesperson described the incident as “truly shocking”.

The scene of an arson attack on a property on Larne Street in Bellymena. Picture: Press EyeThe scene of an arson attack on a property on Larne Street in Bellymena. Picture: Press Eye
The scene of an arson attack on a property on Larne Street in Bellymena. Picture: Press Eye

“Fortunately one of the occupants smelt smoke and alerted the other members of his family who were asleep at the time and they were able to escape from the rear door of the house. Substantial damage was caused to the front door and hallway area with further smoke damage caused throughout the house.

“This is a disgraceful attack and we are treating it as arson with intent to endanger life and a racially motivated hate crime at this time.

“It is truly shocking that someone would set fire to a house with six people inside without a care for their welfare.

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“I am appealing to anyone with any information to contact police immediately. I would also ask anyone who was driving in the area at the time of the incident and who has dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation to come forward.”

Substantial damage was caused to the front door and hallway area with further smoke damage caused throughout the house. Picture: Press EyeSubstantial damage was caused to the front door and hallway area with further smoke damage caused throughout the house. Picture: Press Eye
Substantial damage was caused to the front door and hallway area with further smoke damage caused throughout the house. Picture: Press Eye
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Co Antrim blaze being treated as arson

Detectives in Ballymena can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 50 08/07/22. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/