The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Wednesday
An Ulster Unionist Party councillor has called for “genuine immigrants” to be respected after a racially motivated attack on a property in Co Antrim.
Three men have escaped injury but have been left shaken following the incident in Broughshane on Wednesday night.
It was reported that that a number of windows were smashed at a house in Main Street at around 11.45pm.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
UUP councillor Alan Barr said: “I totally condemn the senseless and abhorrent attack on the home of two Indian friends in Broughshane. People from India contribute immensely to our society. They work hard as nurses, doctors, carers and in other industries. They are certainly not on the benefit bandwagon,” he said.
“Additionally, as a history lesson to those who carried out this attack: the grandparents and great-grandparents of those who were attacked were of a generation who fought and died for the British Empire in two world wars. The British Indian Army served in all theatres of these wars. They played an essential role in holding back the Japanese in Burma and many suffered immensely as PoWs.
“I trust that this is the end of such mindless attacks. I hope that going forward our genuine immigrants will be respected and allowed to work and contribute in our community without fear.”
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan called on other politicians to join him in condemning the incident.
“I unequivocally condemn this appalling arson attack, on a home in the middle of the night,” he said.
“Thankfully, the men were unharmed, but this incident could have had devastating consequences.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. It is vital that all political representatives clearly condemn this racist hate crime and demonstrate decisive leadership.
“Anything less would be a complete failure of leadership, especially at a critical moment like this.
“I urge anyone who has information to come forward immediately to assist the police investigation.”
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said: “It goes without saying that I am appalled by the racially motivated attack on a home in Broughshane on Wednesday night.
“Two young men, who have lived and worked in our community for several years, were subjected to a terrifying ordeal simply because of who they are. Acts of violence like this have no place in Broughshane, North Antrim, or anywhere in Northern Ireland.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. Our diversity is a strength, and the vast majority of people here are welcoming, decent, and kind, but incidents like this cause real harm and fear, and must be condemned without qualification – by all.
“My thoughts are with those two young men affected, I have reached out to them and I know of others who have done the same. I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI, who are treating this as a hate crime.
“We must be absolutely clear: racism will never be tolerated in our communities.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating a report of criminal damage in the Main Street area of Broughshane on Wednesday, January 28.
“It was reported that that a number of windows were smashed at a house in the Main Street area around 11.45pm.
“Three men, who were in the property at the time, were thankfully, physically uninjured, but left shaken. “Enquiries are ongoing and the matter is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 31 of 29/01/26. “Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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