Police are investigating repeated harassment of a family in Strathfoyle as a racially motivated hate crime.

Sinn Féin councillor Alex Duffy said the incidents involved primary school children as young as Primary Seven.

The family reported verbal abuse over several weeks, along with mud and water balloons thrown at their home.

Duffy reviewed doorbell camera footage showing children using racist language near the property.

He plans to contact local school principals to discuss racism with pupils.

Police have spoken to a number of young people in connection with the incidents.

Anti-racism campaigner Beverly Simpson said the family should be allowed to live in peace and that neighbours have a responsibility to ensure others feel safe regardless of ethnicity.

Duffy stated that Strathfoyle has a long history as a multicultural community and that the incidents do not represent the area.