Police in Newtownabbey arrested a 31 -year-old man yesterday, Thursday 10th August, following two linked reports of criminal damage to a house in the Rathfern Way area of Newtownabbey within the last six months.

Chief Inspector Gray said: “The man was arrested for criminal damage and intimidation following a search of a property last night.

“The search was in connection with damage caused to a property on two separate occasions. One which occurred on the 17th February and the most recent report being made to police on Wednesday, 2nd August. Both incidents are being treated as hate crimes.

“A number of items were seized as part of the search and the man has since been released on police bail to return at a later date for further questioning.

“At this time our enquiries are ongoing and we continue to appeal for information that can assist with our investigation. I also want to reassure the community that we take all reports of hate crime very seriously. 

Contact police on the non-emergency number 101 and quote 1797 02/08/23. You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

“If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, please make a report to us and don’t suffer in silence."