‘Evil’ racist arson attack that destroyed six vehicles in Ballymena condemned

Six vehicles were set on fire outside a property in the Co Antrim town

An arson attack that destroyed six vehicles outside a property in Ballymena is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.

The emergency services were called to reports of multiple vehicle fires outside of a property in the Lisnevenagh Road area of the Co Antrim town at around 10.10pm on Sunday, August 31.

Police say they are treating the arson attack as a racially motivated hate crime and are asking anyone with any information to contact them.

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A PSNI spokesperson said: “We received a report at around 10.10pm that six vehicles had been set alight and were destroyed. Our enquiries are ongoing and, at this time, we are treating this as arson with a racially-motivated hate element.

“We are appealing to anyone who might have any information which may assist us, to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1473 31/08/25.”

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan condemned the racists attacks.

He said: “It is absolutely outrageous to learn that a number of cars were burned and destroyed outside a property on Lisnevenagh Road.

“This is a continuation of the disgraceful, evil and reprehensible racist attacks that fly in the face of the vast majority of the people and communities who are welcoming and embrace diversity. This racist attack is to be condemned in the strongest terms by all, we need to all stand together, and show strong leadership.

“Racism has no place in this community and I would appeal to anyone with information about this attack to bring it to the police.”

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