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Arson attack in village 'racist' | Arson attack in village 'racist' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Two cars have been extensively damaged by fire in what police believe was a racist attack in a County Antrim village. | Two cars have been extensively damaged by fire in what police believe was a racist attack in a County Antrim village. |
The arsonists' initial target, a vehicle belonging to a Bulgarian, was set alight at around 0015 BST at Beach Road in Portballintrae near Bushmills. | The arsonists' initial target, a vehicle belonging to a Bulgarian, was set alight at around 0015 BST at Beach Road in Portballintrae near Bushmills. |
A police spokesperson said another car parked nearby caught fire. | A police spokesperson said another car parked nearby caught fire. |
Apartments close to the burning vehicle also suffered smoke damage. Detectives have appealed for information. | Apartments close to the burning vehicle also suffered smoke damage. Detectives have appealed for information. |
SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat said he believed racist attacks could ruin the reputation of Portballintrae as a peaceful place to live. | SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat said he believed racist attacks could ruin the reputation of Portballintrae as a peaceful place to live. |
He said: "Foreign nationals make a massive contribution not only to the hotel and hospitality industry, but in other key areas such as engineering. | He said: "Foreign nationals make a massive contribution not only to the hotel and hospitality industry, but in other key areas such as engineering. |
"Without them our economy would be seriously damaged". | "Without them our economy would be seriously damaged". |
Ulster Unionist Party Councillor Norman Hillis said: "This is a blatant racist attack carried out by hate-mongers on innocent people living in Portballintrae". |