Window smashed in ‘racially-motivated attack’ in Donaghadee

Police are treating an attack on a home in Donaghadee as a racially-motivated hate crime.

A window was smashed and graffiti daubed on the wall of a property in the Killaughey Road area of the town.

It happened shortly before 22:00 BST on Saturday.

“We are grateful that those present in the property were uninjured, though we are very aware that we could potentially have been dealing with more serious consequences,” said Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Insp Van Der Schyff.

Police said they are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen someone dressed in dark clothing and riding an electric scooter in the area.

“I know these actions do not represent the feelings of the local residents, many of whom approached our officers to condemn this crime and show their support for the family affected,” Insp Van Der Schyff continued.

“Everyone, no matter what their background, has the right to feel safe in their home. We are tireless in our pursuit of those responsible for any hate crime.”

In a statement, John Caldwell from the Donaghadee Community Development Association said: “We are outraged to learn of the attack on a family home in Donaghadee in which a mother and three young children were left terrified.

“There is no place for such mindless acts of hatred in our town,” he continued.

“Today we stand together to send a clear message that Donaghadee rejects division and stands for compassion, inclusion and respect.”