Police are treating criminal damage to two houses in Larne, County Antrim, as racially motivated hate crimes.
The incidents happened on Thursday night in the Hampton Crescent and Doric Way areas of the town.
Racially motivated graffiti was sprayed on one of the properties.
Chief Inspector Christopher Tate said: “This type of crime is utterly unacceptable and has no place in our society.”
Police received a report at approximately 22:30 BST on Thursday that masked individuals were seen attacking the house in the Hampton Crescent area.
Extensive damage was caused to a window and door of the property.
The suspects fled the scene before the police officers arrived.
A second report was received at the same time that damage was caused to a property in the Doric Way area.
Officers attended the scene, but no suspects were seen in the area.
Racially motivated graffiti had been sprayed on the outside of the apartment. Three front windows and two glass panes in the front door had also been smashed.
“The occupants of both properties were thankfully not injured by these attacks – but are understandably terrified by what happened,” Ch Insp Tate said.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, regardless of their race or background.”
Both reports are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes and police enquiries are ongoing.
