The family of a young man with Down Syndrome have been left devastated after his Motability vehicle was set alight in an alleged arson attack.
Their car, which had been parked outside the family home on Drumcree Place in the Rathcoole area was torched in the early hours of Tuesday morning, coinciding with Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Carter Logan's mother Ashley Workman said that he is now having to rely on the generosity of others to get about.
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"My son is 24, he has Down Syndrome and that is his car for getting about," she said.
"This has had a big impact on him as the Motability scheme won't release another car and I can't get a hire car as they are saying that it is high risk.
"My son goes to tech in Belfast and he goes to a club in Carrickfergus. I also coach basketball and he comes with me to that. We now have no way for him to go to these activities unless I can get a lift or walk him there."
Ashley appealed for anyone with any information on the attack to come forward to the Police.
"If anyone seen it, please come forward because this is a child who now can't get out," she said.
"There were three cars parked in the street and our car was the only one set alight so we believe that Carter has been targeted. This car was his life."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police received a report of a car on fire within the vicinity of Drumcree Place, Newtownabbey shortly after 1.15am on Tuesday, 21st March.
"Officers attended the scene along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire.
"The car was completely gutted as a result of the fire which is being treated as arson.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information or footage in relation to the fire is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 62 of 21/03/23.
"Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
A spokesperson for Motability Operations said: "We are unable to comment on individual customer cases, but we take the mobility of our customers very seriously and we endeavour to keep them mobile at all times.
"If a Motability Scheme customer has any concerns about their lease, they can contact us on our website or call 0300 456 4566and one of our team will be able to provide support."
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