Burning of cars in Ballymena ‘racially motivated attack’

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The burning of cars in a racially motivated attack in Ballymena has been condemned.

Police are appealing for information after six cars were set on fire on Sunday evening and destroyed.

Local representatives said Filipino nationals were targeted and that tenants were inside properties when the vehicles were attacked outside.

The Co Antrim town witnessed several nights of racist violence earlier in the summer.

The weekend incident occurred in the Lisnevenagh Road area and is the latest in a series of racist crimes across Northern Ireland.

A police spokesperson said: “We received a report at around 10.10pm that six vehicles had been set alight and were destroyed.

“Our inquiries 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 Fein MLA Philip McGuigan described the incident as “absolutely outrageous”.

He said: “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.”

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.”

He said he had requested additional police patrols in the area to “reassure the local community and to deter further attacks”.

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said it was a “highly dangerous and distressing incident”.

He added: “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.”