Nigerian Family Targeted As Car Is Burned In Rathcoole Racist Attack -15/06/2026

[00:00:00]isn't just a car on fire.

[00:00:02]It's intimidation on the doorstep. A couple from Nigeria had only returned to this house in recent days following a previous attack.

[00:00:11]>> I jumped up then I look I looked through the window and I saw a guy setting my car on fire.

[00:00:17]Then I just ran downstairs and there was actually nothing I could do than to just call the police and firefighter.

[00:00:23]Because I I was actually in the house with my partner. She was actually very very stressed and crying.

[00:00:29]>> Within 5 months with this resident living here, this home has been attacked three times. The first was graffiti. The second was a brick through the window and now the third the car has been set on fire. That is the terrifying final straw for this victim who says they are simply not coming back.

[00:00:49]>> Maybe they would want to come and kill me then. Or maybe come to stab me. Now I don't have a car so I might actually have to be walking for the next few weeks, you know?

[00:00:57]I'm scared of the house. I'm scared of the street. I'm scared of the community.

[00:01:00]I'm scared of my neighbors as well.

[00:01:02]I don't know who it is who because none of them has ever come to my door to even sympathize.

[00:01:08]None.

[00:01:09]>> This victim came to Northern Ireland to study at university. He now works in a care home after completing his master's here. But he's told BBC News NI he's faced racism here for years.

[00:01:21]>> I was about to go into my house then I saw this man and two kids. I'm sure the kids are not going to be more than maybe two and four years, you know? Very young kids and was pointing at us telling the kids to look at black monkeys, look at immigrants.

[00:01:37]>> It's been decision time for many people here over the last week whether to stay or go. Some didn't have a choice.

[00:01:45]So the plan is to leave Northern Ireland then?

[00:01:48]You're done?

[00:01:49]>> Done.

[00:01:50]>> Clara Graham, BBC Newsline, Rathcoole.