13 hours ago
Owners of takeaway ‘heartbroken' after sledgehammer ‘hate crime' attack
'We're here trying to build something good—but this is what we got in return'
The attack took place overnight at the takeaway. Photo: Kevin McAuley
The owners of a fast food restaurant in Co Antrim attacked with sledgehammers in a racially motivated hate crime have said they will 'continue growing' despite the incident.
Detectives have appealed for information following the report of the burglary at Pizza Max in Bushmills in the early hours of Wednesday June 18.
Posting on Facebook on Wednesday afternoon, the owners described the incident as 'heart-breaking'.
The attack took place overnight at the takeaway. Photo: Kevin McAuley
News in 90 Seconds - June 18th
"Our Bushmills store, which has been working hard to serve the local community with love and dedication, was vandalised,' they said.
'We're here trying to build something good—but this is what we got in return.
'To everyone who supports us: thank you. We'll clean up, stand tall, and continue growing stronger. Let's continue to spread kindness, not damage.'
Detective Inspector Lavery said the incident was reported to police 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,' said DI Lavery.
"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.
"Anyone who may have any information which would assist us, is asked to contact detectives via 101, quoting reference number 107 of 18/06/25, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via
"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at
