Two children have been injured in what police have described as a racially motivated attack in Holywood. Police received a report that stones had been thrown through the front window of a house in Church Green at 23:05 BST on Sunday, leaving the children with grazes to their faces and shoulders after they were struck by debris.
Ch Insp Hutchinson said:
"This appalling incident left a young family inside terrified and distressed."
A short time later, at 23:10, police received a report that a second property, on Church Road, had also been attacked. Two windows were smashed with paint thrown at the outside of the house, two windows were also broken off a vehicle parked at the property, and a quantity of cash was stolen.
Ch Insp Hutchinson said:
"Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this criminal damage – however this family was also left understandably shocked and upset by what happened,"
Police said they are treating both incidents as racially motivated hate crimes and that enquiries are continuing into what happened and who was involved. Officers have appealed for anyone with information or footage from either incident to contact them.
Ch Insp Hutchinson added:
"We are treating both of these reports as racially-motivated hate crimes, with our enquiries continuing into what happened, and who was involved."
"This type of crime is utterly unacceptable and has no place in our society. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, regardless of their race or background."
What did police say about the incidents?
Police said both reports are being investigated as racially motivated hate crimes. They also said they are appealing for anyone with information or footage from either incident to come forward.
What happened at the Church Green property?
Police received a report at 23:05 BST on Sunday that stones had been thrown through the front window of a house in Church Green, Holywood. Ch Insp Hutchinson said the children inside were struck by debris and left with grazes to their faces and shoulders.
What happened at the Church Road property?
Police received a second report at 23:10 that a property on Church Road had been attacked. Two windows were smashed, paint was thrown at the outside of the house, two windows were broken off a vehicle parked at the property, and a quantity of cash was stolen.
How were the families affected?
Police said the first family was left terrified and distressed, while the second family was understandably shocked and upset. No one was injured in the Church Road incident, but police said the criminal damage had a serious emotional impact on those inside.
Key Facts
- Police received the first report at 23:05 BST on Sunday in Church Green, Holywood.
- A second report was received at 23:10 for a property on Church Road.
- Two children were injured by debris and suffered grazes to their faces and shoulders.
- Police are treating both incidents as racially motivated hate crimes.
- Police are asking for information or footage from either incident.
