Alan Lewis of the UUP beside the car damaged in the arson attack

An overnight arson attack on a car in Co Down has been branded a "sectarian hate crime".

The vehicle, which belongs to a woman in her 60s who lives alone, was destroyed after being torched on Monday night outside her home in Bell's Hill, Crossgar.

Ulster Unionist representative Alan Lewis claimed she was targeted because her property was displaying a Union flag.

He said that the woman had been left shaken by the attack and did not wish to be named as she feared further attacks on herself or her property.

Mr Lewis added: "The police must act and catch those responsible for this sectarian act.

"Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home. She will not be moved by thugs who sneak around under the cover of darkness.

"Unfortunately, there remains those within society who cannot tolerate anything British, unionist or Protestant. The militant republican agenda is shamefully alive and well."

The PSNI said a motive had yet to be established for the incident.

It added: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.

"However, officers would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or anyone who may have information which could assist them with their enquiries, to contact police in Downpatrick on the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference number 56 10/07/18."

Belfast Telegraph