Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt has unreservedly condemned the campaign of intimidation waged against a Newtownards family which has caused them to leave their home.
The Strangford MLA said:
“I am absolutely disgusted at the hate campaign which has been waged against a Newtownards mother and her three children which has entailed four attacks on their home in recent weeks including sectarian graffiti and arson and as a result of which they have now decided to move.
The latest attack took place on Saturday evening and saw flammable liquid poured through the letterbox and set alight.
The family happen to be Catholics and these cowardly attacks are a stain on the good name of Newtownards and run contrary towards the aspiration of a shared future which I know the vast majority of the local community wish to see.
Whoever is behind this campaign of intimidation must be caught because anyone who sets to fire to a house is trying to commit murder. If anyone out there knows anything or is protecting someone from a misguided sense of loyalty, I would call upon them to search their conscience and come forward immediately to help the Police catch the person or persons responsible.”