AN attack on a Traveller family in Ballycastle is being treated as a hate crime, police have said.
Anne-Marie Dundon said she feared for her family's life during the attack on her home in Co Antrim on April 23.
The 43 year-old said she was in her house at Romoan Close with her teenage son, pregnant daughter and eight-month-old granddaughter when a group of up to 25 people gathered at her property and began hurling missiles and abuse.
Windows in the front door and living room were smashed before items including garden furniture were thrown at the property.
"They were screaming 'Come out, you gypsy b***ards. We are going to come in and murder you," she said.
"They were trying to get through the front door and I was trying to hold it closed and talk to police on the phone at the same time.
"I had to lock my kids in the bathroom to keep them safe. I thought they were going to kill us."
Mrs Dundon, who lived at the Ballycastle address for a year, claimed the trouble began a few months ago. She said she reported an incident at Easter to the police, when insults were hurled.
Police confirmed they were also treating that as a hate incident.
"We don't bother anybody here and before this nobody bothered us. When I moved in, it was a lovely quiet area. Travellers have a right to live too," she added.
The family has been relocated to a house in another area.
A spokesperson for Triangle Housing Association, which owns the property said they were aware of an incident involving a tenant in Ramoan Close and were liaising with the police investigation.
She added, "A housing officer is providing support to the tenant."
UUP councillor Joan Baird said she was "shocked" adding that the Ramoan Close area is generally "very quiet",
Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane also condemned the incident.
"Ballycastle is a seaside town, with many families visiting , and this is a huge shock to the community and for the family involved.
"We will support them in any way we can. People need to feel safe in their own homes," she said.
Police said an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, making threats to kill, affray and using words to stir up racial hatred. He was released on bail pending further police enquiries.
