DFM meets owner of bar destroyed in racist attack

Emma Little-Pengelly says racially-motivated crime has "no place" in Northern Ireland

A man whose business was destroyed by a fire in a racially-motivated hate crime said he feels he has "some hope'" after meeting the deputy first minister and local assembly members.

Emma Little-Pengelly, who visited Abjan Acharya at The Railway Bar in Newtownabbey this afternoon, said the attack was "absolutely unacceptable".

The deputy first minister said she wanted to send a "very clear message" that those affected have the full support of the executive and the DUP.

There is "no place for this" in Northern Ireland, she added.

'Thinking forward'

The Railway Bar and Steam Dining eatery was set alight earlier this month

Mr Acharya said it has been a "total disaster" and that he has had "tough nights and tough days" following the attack.

He told BBC News NI that, on the evening following the attack, alcohol and other items were taken from the premises.

He said he has stayed away from the restaurant as he was "concerned for his safety" and needed to focus on his family.

Mr Archarya, who has lived in Northern Ireland for nearly 20 years, said he feels quite "low" after what happened.

Despite this, he is "thinking forward' and is motivated by the support that he has received from political representatives.

He is hopeful that the government will support local businesses in recovering from attacks such as this.

Abjan Acharya had only taken over the business a few months ago

Joining the deputy first minister and offering their support were fellow DUP members and local MLAs Pam Cameron and Trevor Clarke.

Ms Little-Pengelly said it is important politicians show their full support and that they will do everything they can to support those business owners that are affected.

She said violence and disorder were always unacceptable.

The Northern Ireland Executive will be working "hand in hand" with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on the issue of racially-motivated crime, she added.

Mr Acharya said he feels he has "some hope" after meeting politicians

The Railway Bar and Steam Dining eatery in Ballyclare Road, Newtownabbey, was set alight at about 01.50 BST on 21 August.

Racist graffiti was also daubed on the walls.

Mr Acharya, who came to Northern Ireland from Nepal in 2006, said he had received good support from the community and there had been no indications the business was at risk.

The closure of the bar was announced on its Facebook page earlier this month.

"As a young Nepalese-British individual, born into a Hindu family, raised and educated in Belfast, I never imagined that my skin colour and religion would make us a target for such a hateful act," the post said.

"Our establishment, once a place of joy and community, has fallen victim to a devastating act of organised hate."

The closure of the bar was announced on its Facebook page