Detectives treating Bushmills burglary as racially motivated hate crime

Images: Kevin McAuley / McAuley Multimedia

Police are appealing for information after a fast food restaurant in Bushmills was targeted in a destructive overnight burglary that is now being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.

According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the incident occurred shortly before 2.25am on Wednesday morning.

Three masked individuals reportedly used sledgehammers to smash through the front door and windows of the premises, before proceeding to cause further damage inside.

Detective Inspector Lavery, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Shortly before 2.25am, it was reported that three masked individuals used sledgehammers to cause damage to the front door and front windows of a fast food restaurant, before entering the premises, and proceeding to cause more damage inside.”

Fortunately, the restaurant was unoccupied at the time and no injuries have been reported. While significant damage was inflicted both externally and internally, police have confirmed that no items appear to have been stolen.

Detective Inspector Lavery added:

“It is not believed that anything was taken during the incident, and there was no one inside the premises at the time.

“We are treating this report as a racially motived hate crime, and officers remain at the scene this morning, conducting enquiries.”

The PSNI has issued a public appeal for witnesses or anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 107 of 18/06/25, or submit a report online via the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Police inquiries remain ongoing.