'Local community must unite against racist thugs'

At around 1.30am on Tuesday, June 22 cars were set alight outside the home of an Indian family in Fernagh Avenue and that of a Filipino family a few doors down the street.

No-one was injured in the attacks, but the two vehicles were extensively damaged and both families were left badly shaken.

Newtownabbey's most senior police officer, Chief Inspector Paula Hilman, described the incident as "a despicable attack on the whole community."

"We are appealing to the public to help us identify who was behind these attacks. We will not tolerate such attacks within the community and will do everything within our power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice," she said.

Echoing the plea for local people to help police catch the culprits, Mayor Paula Bradley commented: "The families who have been left traumatised by this incident have chosen to live and work in Newtownabbey and the majority of our residents are very welcoming to those who choose to make a new life in our borough.

"I hope that the culprits can be identified and prosecuted. I urge anyone with any information regarding the incident to contact the PSNI."

Also appealing to the local community to stand up against the racist thugs responsible for the attacks, North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said: "The vast majority of people wish to live at peace with their neighbours and will totally reject these evil actions which are totally unrepresentative of the local community.

"I would urge anyone who is able to help the police with their investigation into these appalling crimes to give that assistance. There is no place is modern society for violent intolerance and there must be no hiding place for those intent on carrying out race hate crimes."

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Newtownabbey Good Relations Partnership, Mukesh Sharma, said the arson attacks had been "a setback to improving race relations within the local area."

"It is essential that communities unite and work to put a stop to this sort of hate crime," he added.Investigating officers have appealed for anyone with information about who was responsible to contact Newtownabbey CID on 0845 600 8000 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.