Two children injured in 'appalling' racially motivated attack

Two children have been injured in what has been described as a racially motivated attack.

Police received a report that stones had been thrown through the front window of a house in Church Green, Holywood, at 23:05 BST on Sunday.

Ch Insp Hutchinson said the children were struck by debris and left with grazes to their faces and shoulders.

"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, was also 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.

"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," Ch Insp Hutchinson said.

"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."

Alliance MLA Andrew Muir, who represents North Down, told the Good Morning Ulster programme he was "absolutely disgusted" by the attacks.

"This is a despicable series of crimes," he said.

"To see children injured absolutely breaks my heart."

Muir said that he had spoken to police on Monday and had emphasised that racist social media comments need to be investigated.

He added that he had witnessed racist language on social media continue in the wake of the attacks.

In a statement, Alliance Ards and North Down councillor Alderman Martin McRandal condemned the incidents.

McRandal said "it is important that there are consequences for the perpetrators" and he has urged anyone with information to contact police.