Police in Newtownabbey are appealing for information after a race hate-motivated arson attack destroyed a family's car outside a home on Station Road in the early hours of Thursday, 13 August 2026.

Local policing Inspector Patton said: "We received a report of a car on fire just before 1.45am. The car had been parked outside a family home in the Station Road area.

"Officers attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze, however the vehicle was completely destroyed.

"We believe this fire was started deliberately by two men wearing dark clothing, who were seen running away from the scene. "It appears that this family, who have two young children, were targeted solely because of the colour of their skin. It is absolutely disgraceful that hard-working people should be victimised in this way.

"As with any crime motivated by hate, we will be providing them with an enhanced level of supervision, investigation and support.

"As our investigation continues, we would appeal to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area to call police on 101, quoting reference 90 13/08/26.

"We're particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage."

Information can also be submitted online via the PSNI witness appeal form at reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.