Police in Newtownabbey are investigating a suspected hate crime after a car was set alight outside a family home on Station Road in the early hours of Thursday 13 August 2026. Officers received a report of the fire just before 1.45am.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze but the vehicle was completely destroyed. Police believe the fire was started deliberately by two men wearing dark clothing who were seen running from the scene.

Local policing Inspector Patton said a family with two young children had been targeted because of the colour of their skin. He described the incident as disgraceful and said officers would provide enhanced supervision, investigation and support as with any hate-motivated crime.

Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from the area to come forward. Information can be given to police on 101 quoting reference 90 13/08/26, submitted online via the PSNI witness appeal form, or provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.