Landlord said his Filipino tenants feared for their lives in 'racially-motivated hate crime' where six cars burned
A landlord has told how his tenants feared for their lives during a ‘racially-motivated hate crime’ where six of their cars were burned out.
Businessman Sam Carson, who is housing Filipino workers in a number of properties near Ballymena, Co Antrim, has said he feared for his own safety and theirs.
Mr Carson spoke out after six vehicles were burnt and destroyed outside a house in the Lisnevenagh Road area.
The tenants, who are employed by Wrightbus were inside the property when the cars were targeted on Sunday night.
Police are treating the arson attack as a racially-motivated hate crime.
When asked for a comment on the incident a PSNI spokesman said they were appealing for information and witnesses following a report of six vehicles on fire in the Lisnevenagh Road area of Ballymena on Sunday night, 31st August.
“We received a report at around 10.10pm that six vehicles had been set alight and were destroyed,” he said.
"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.”
Mr Carson, a farmer and a landlord, said he has been the victim of an "online hate campaign" and thinks the attack is related to his decision to house Filipinos.
He said the tenants have lived in the house for two years and described them as "peaceful people, working hard".
Speaking to BBC News NI he said he had never experienced any trouble, until the Ballymena riots in June.
"Since the riots, we've had a hate campaign on TikTok, against myself and against my tenants, but thought nothing of it.
"Some people in Ballymena do not like foreign nationals, even though they are good working people, they don't understand that."
He added: "Social media has a real problem with misinformation, and there seems there is nothing the police can do."
UUP MLA Jon Burrows said: “This was a disgraceful attack on law abiding and hard working people who make a significant
contribution to the local economy.
"I will be reaching out to Sam Carson today and also checking with the PSNI on the progress of their investigation and requesting additional patrols in order to reassure the local community and
deter further attacks.
"I appeal to anyone with information about this crime to contact the PSNI or if they feel they cannot
do so - to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111"
And TUV North Antrim MP Jim Allister said: “I want to underscore that this was a highly dangerous and distressing incident.
"Six cars were deliberately set alight while the tenants were inside — a situation that could have tragically resulted in serious injuries or worse.
“Once a car is set on fire you have no telling what could happen.
"Quite apart from the destruction of the vehicle, the fire could easily have spread.
“It is also important to stress that this is not a case of illegal immigration.
"These individuals have come to Northern Ireland to work and to take up employment.
"They are here legally and are contributing to the local economy.”
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston added: “I have met with the landlord, spoken to the employer, and remain in contact with people on the ground.
“The PSNI is actively investigating this matter, and I would urge anyone with information to speak directly to the police.
“Our focus at this point must be on ensuring the safety and support of those affected.
"Unverified claims circulating on social media are not helpful, and it is vital that we allow due process to unfold.”