The racially instigated arson assault that levelled a restaurant in Co Antrim has been universally denounced as “appalling”. The message “Muslim Out” was smeared on a wall of the Railway Bar and Steam Dining establishment located in the Ballyclare Road area of Newtownabbey, reducing the building to mere ruins.
Expressing their despair and profound sadness over the tragedy through a Facebook post, the proprietors confessed they were heartbroken to witness their establishment’s destruction. North Belfast’s MP John Finucane branded the event as “appalling”.
The authorities reported that they were alerted about the burning building at around 1.50am on a Wednesday. “Our colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service were on the scene and managed to put out the fire, which we suspect was intentionally started,” they stated. Investigations are underway and currently, the authorities are treating it as a racially-motivated hate crime, urging anyone with any information about the incident to get in touch with them.
The Railway Bar and Steam Dining, through another Facebook post, declared the suspension of operations, stating, “This once lively and communal spot has tragically succumbed to a deliberate act of hatred. It was not just a business, but a historical monument that united people and fostered lasting memories.
“To see its ruin leaves us deeply saddened and devastated. The conclusion of this chapter in such a tragic manner is utterly heart-wrenching. Regardless of our ethnicity or history, our common goal is to earn a livelihood, support our families, and provide a space for people to enjoy their time together.
“Being a young British-Nepalese man, born into a Hindu household and brought up and schooled in Belfast, I never thought my ethnicity and faith could make us the target of such disgusting prejudice.”
“My primary ambition was to establish a firm, generate employment and earn a humble living. However, the situation we encountered was far more severe than I had initially anticipated.
Despite this traumatic ordeal, I fervently hope this atrocity signifies the conclusion of such animosity. The world is boundless, filled with promise, and we need to continue striving towards the future.
[ A building in South Dublin, crushed by fire, was not designated for asylum seekers. Opens in a new frame ]
Mr Finucane characterised the assault as ‘nauseating’.
He appended: “We operate this enterprise to serve our community and offer jobs. It’s absolutely deplorable that it has been victimised in such a manner.
“Such repugnant, shameful attacks, propelled by prejudice, loathing and bias have no room in our progressive and accepting society.
“Those scheming to instigate hatred and inflame disputes should confront the full brunt of the law, and I would beseech anyone with information regarding this incident to report it to the police.” – PA