Attack on family home in Co Down treated as racially motivated hate crime

Detectives said they are keen to speak to a person dressed in dark clothing and riding an electric scooter who was in the area at the time

The PSNI are treating an attack on a residential property over the weekend as a racially motivated hate crime.

The incident took place in the Killaughey Road area of Donaghadee, Co Down, on Saturday night, August 30, at around 10pm. A window was smashed and graffiti written on a wall of the house. No injuries to the family inside were reported.

Detectives said they are keen to speak to a person dressed in dark clothing and riding an electric scooter who was in the area at the time.

Inspector Van Der Schyff said: “Just before 9.55pm, we were advised that a window had been smashed and graffiti daubed on a wall at a residential property in the Killaughey Road area.

“We are treating this attack as a racially-motivated hate crime. 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. “We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or who may have relevant information, including dash-cam or other footage, to contact us on 101 quoting reference 1638 30/08/25. “We’re particularly 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.

“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.”

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