Officers are investigating a number of overnight hate crimes in Banbridge.
Windows were smashed at a house in Cline Road at around 11.50pm.
The perpetrator also damaged the windscreen of the householder’s car. Three men were at home inside the property at the time.
Around an hour later a house in Underwood Terrace was also targeted.
White paint was thrown over the front of the property and windows were smashed.
A mother and her three young children who were at home at the time were uninjured but were left shocked by the ordeal.
A 33-year-old man was arrested by responding officers close to the scene at Underwood Terrace.
He is being questioned today on suspicion of racially motivated criminal damage at that location, as well as a previous attack on the same house on March 9, during which paint was also thrown.
Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: “Hate crime of any description is despicable and completely unacceptable. We all have a responsibility to ensure that we live in a society where all people are respected, and we are working hard to investigate these crimes and support the victims”.
The local officers investigating both of last night’s attacks are working to establish a definitive link between the incidents and I would ask witnesses or anyone with information to please contact us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 33 of 18/5/18.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Savage said he “wholeheartedly condemns” the actions of those responsible.
“Those involved struck in the dead of night carrying out their cowardly attacks as families lay sleeping,” he said.
“In the immediate aftermath of the attacks the local community rallied around both families.
“Neighbours reported the crimes promptly and an arrest was quickly made.
“The local community deserve high praise for this. They have demonstrated clearly that racism will simply not be tolerated in Banbridge.”
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