Racially-motivated hate crime being probed in Ballymena after windows at properties smashed with a hammer

Police in Ballymena are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of criminal damage in the Larne Street area of the town in the early hours of Monday, 26th June.
By Gemma Murray
Published 26th Jun 2023, 11:10 BST
Updated 26th Jun 2023, 13:22 BST
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Inspector Reid said: "At 2.15am, we received a report that windows at a number of residential properties in the area had been smashed by a man with a hammer.

“The suspect is described as being of stocky build, wearing dark shorts and an orange top.

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“Officers attended the scene and, after speaking with witnesses, we are treating this incident as a racially-motivated hate crime.

Resident Minka Kiriloval looks on to the damage caused to homes as Police in Ballymena are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of criminal damage in the Larne Street area of the town in the early hours of Monday, 26th June.Resident Minka Kiriloval looks on to the damage caused to homes as Police in Ballymena are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of criminal damage in the Larne Street area of the town in the early hours of Monday, 26th June.
Resident Minka Kiriloval looks on to the damage caused to homes as Police in Ballymena are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of criminal damage in the Larne Street area of the town in the early hours of Monday, 26th June.

“I want to reassure the community that police take reports of this nature extremely seriously. We will being increasing patrols in the area and will continue to liaise with community representatives and partnership organisations to address the issue.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this attack, or who may have dashcam, CCTV or other footage, to contact police immediately.

"Additionally, I would ask that anyone who has any concerns around this type of behaviour report them to police. When you report crime, we can take steps to stop it.

“You can ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Policing Team.”