Investigating officers believe urine was sprayed through the letterbox of the house and into a hallway "simply because of where the residents come from"

Neighbours of an immigrant family in Co Antrim have expressed their revulsion after a "deranged idiot" urinated through their letterbox.

The property on Moyard Gardens in Greenisland was targeted between 11pm on Tuesday and 7am yesterday in what police are treating as a hate crime.

Investigating officers believe urine was sprayed through the letterbox of the house and into a hallway "simply because of where the residents come from".

Police described the incident as "pretty disgusting" on social media.

"I think you would all agree this is simply not acceptable and frankly is simply vile," a PSNI Facebook post stated. It is understood the married couple who live in the terraced house with their young children are originally from eastern Europe.

One nearby resident described the father as an "absolute gentleman" who "keeps himself to himself".

"I am shocked that this has happened in such a quiet area and to such a nice family," he said.

"They have never caused harm to anyone.

"This is the work of a deranged idiot, whatever else they may be."

The elderly neighbour said a number of foreign nationals live in the area and get on well with everyone.

"I have lived here for 40 years and I have never felt scared, nothing like this ever happens, and it shouldn't, it is completely wrong," he added.

Another neighbour, who described the family as "quiet and polite", said they were repulsed by the incident.

"There are lots of families from overseas living here and they do so in peace. To do something like this is just disgusting," they said.

Alliance councillor Paul Sinclair condemned the incident.

"This is the first time something like this has happened in this area for quite some time and I find it very disturbing," he said.

"The people of this town will be united in opposing this kind of behaviour because it simply isn't wanted.

"Nobody wants to see this happening.

"I would appeal to others not to imitate this act and for the person responsible to stop."

DUP councillor May Beattie also appealed to the person behind the attack to stop and allow all residents to live in peace.

"I am 100% against hate crime in any way, shape or form," she said.

"People should be left alone to live their lives so long as they aren't hurting anyone. Doing this on someone is revolting and I wholeheartedly condemn it."

The local representative said the incident has caused widespread revulsion.

"We all think this is disgraceful," she added.

"I want the family to know that we all stand in solidarity with them and that they are welcome in this community."

Belfast Telegraph