Mr Boyle has said: “I am devastated to witness yet another hatecrime directed towards a minority community. This is the second racist incident in the greater Ballyclare area in recent weeks and this behaviour is completely unacceptable and must be called out and condemned. The actions of those responsible do not represent the wider views of our local community which stands in solidarity with the victims of these discriminatory attacks.

"The individuals responsible have no regard for human life or property and must face the consequences of their actions. Their reckless behaviour has had destructive ramifications for the whole community, especially the owners of the business whose livelihood and place of work have been destroyed, as well as the ethnic minority groups that live here.

“I would like to thank the responding PSNI and NIFRS officers for getting the fire under control and for protecting the local community. 

“I would ask anyone with any information in relation to the incident to please contact the police on 101, quoting reference number 68 21/08/24, or to report via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”