Question
An update on 2 potential hate crime incidents – more information/ possible motive following two cars burnt out in Carryduff and incident in Coleraine where PSNI statement noted one 20-year-old was arrested and video circulating on social media showing an individual from an ethnic minority community being attacked. The Chief Constable advised that further details can be provided.
Answer
Carryduff
- On 6 May 2026 Police received a report of a vehicle on fire belonging to a resident of Killynure Green, Carryduff.
- The fire has spread from one vehicle to another, both belonging to the resident.
- There is no known hate element to the vehicle arson but it is potentially linked to a dispute between two neighbours.
- There are investigations currently ongoing regarding the vehicle arsons and other unrelated neighbour disputes which have a hate element.
- Given the volume of incidents in a short period of time, a problem solving folder has been opened and NPT will liaise with relevant partners in the area.
Coleraine
- Police in Coleraine received a report on Friday, 1 May, of a man acting suspiciously in the Danes Hill Road area, in the vicinity of Ballysally Primary School.
- Officers attended and arrested a 20 year old male on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, motivated by hate, based on gender, due to statements he was making about women. He was subsequently charged to court for disorderly behaviour, motivated by hate and has been remanded in custody.
- Furthermore, police are aware of a video circulating online which shows this male being assaulted by a number of males and enquiries are currently ongoing in relation to this matter. This matter is also being treated as motivated by hate.
Deirdre Hargey MLA - Sinn Féin