A car belonging to a Nigerian man was destroyed in an arson attack on Mournebeg Drive in Rathcoole, County Antrim, on Sunday night.

The man, who asked not to be named, said his home has been targeted three times in the past five months. Previous incidents include graffiti sprayed on a wall and a brick thrown through a window. He told reporters he now fears for his life and plans to leave Northern Ireland for another part of the UK or return to Nigeria. He also described being subjected to racist abuse on a street in the past year.

The attack follows a week of unrest sparked by a knife assault in north Belfast on Monday. A Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder, and video of the incident circulated online.

After the knife attack, protests took place across Northern Ireland. While many were peaceful, some involved masked groups targeting homes, businesses and vehicles, and attacking police. More than 30 people were arrested.

In the Northern Ireland Assembly, SDLP leader Matthew O'Toole said he opened his constituency office to shelter around 30 people displaced during the disorder, including families with a one-year-old baby. His staff provided blankets and food, and he drove children to safety.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said some people who left their homes are receiving charitable support but not engaging with formal housing processes. He linked the week's events to a debate on raising the age of criminal responsibility, arguing the Assembly should reject the proposal. A petition of concern to block the move currently has 28 signatures and needs 30 to succeed.

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister condemned the Rathcoole arson and urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI.

The PSNI have been asked for comment on the Rathcoole incident.