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A couple and their baby were in a house targeted in a hate crime in which a car was burned and sectarian graffiti daubed on a wall, the police said tonight.

The PSNI confirmed they are investigating an arson attack on a car in the Islandarragh Road area of Ballycastle, Co Antrim, during the early hours of this morning.

They say the vehicle was deliberately set alight outside a property shortly before 2.30am. The flames spread to the house causing significant damage to the front door, windows and guttering.

The words 'taigs out' were also daubed on a gable wall of the house. The PSNI confirmed a couple in their 20s and their young baby were in the property at the time but were not hurt.

A spokesman added: "Investigations are at an early stage however police are treating the incident as a hate crime. Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or if someone would like to pass information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 ."