Police are treating as a racially-motivated hate crime an attack on a house in Larne where windows were smashed and graffiti sprayed while children were present inside – with a possible link to three other attacks on homes last night and on Monday morning.
The attack on the house at Cedric Street, which saw two windows smashed, did not see any injuries but was “shocking”, according to police.
PSNI Detective Inspector Crothers said: “There is no place in our society for such behaviour, and it’s particularly shocking that this type of attack should be carried out while young children are present. We are grateful that no-one was injured, though we are very aware that we could potentially have been dealing with much more serious consequences this morning.”
It was the third attack on houses in Larne last night following reports of arson, criminal damage and a firearms incident.
DI Crothers said: “We received reports that between approximately 11 and 11.15pm yesterday, Sunday 21st July, petrol bombs had been thrown at two homes, and windows smashed and graffiti daubed at another.
“Two windows were smashed at the first property in the St John’s Place area, and a petrol bomb had caused scorch and smoke damage caused to the living room. Thankfully the persons present were uninjured.
“At the second property, in the Elizabeth Avenue area, an upstairs window had been smashed by a petrol bomb and scorch and smoke damage caused to a bedroom. No-one was at home at the time.
DI Crothers continued: “At around 4am this morning, Monday 22nd July, we received a further report that the resident of a property in Hillmount Gardens had been assaulted by one of two men who tried to entered his property with what he believed to be a gun. He was hit in the face by one of the men, sustaining a minor injury, before the men made off in different directions. He did not require medical attention.
“We are investigating a potential link between these incidents and are appealing to anyone who was in the named areas and may have relevant information, including dash-cam or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1727 of 21/07/24.”