A male suspect has been detained by law enforcement working on a collection of racially-motivated hate incidents in Antrim. Swastika symbols and graffiti related to the neo-Nazi movement, Combat 18, have sprung up in the township recently, corroborating stories of several families exiting their residences over the past weeks due to racist assaults.
On Tuesday, it was reported that police apprehended a man in his 30s under suspicion of criminal damage and intimidation, in relation to incidents in the Ballycraigy and Redford Grove region. An official statement from the police read: “The investigations into racially driven and sectarian hate crimes throughout the expanded region of Ballycraigy lead to the apprehension of a 30-years-old male and confiscation of objects for further investigation from a property in Ballycraigy Drive.
The spokesman further elaborated that in light of numerous recent offences, they hope that the arrest mirrors their serious stand against racially-motivated hate crimes and their vow to ensure justice is served. They also expressed their commitment to provide support for the victims and their families deeply impacted by these heinous and thoughtless attacks.