A descendant of the man who built the original inn on the site of a racist arson attack has expressed outrage at the burning down of the property.
Trevor Whittley said he was “deeply shocked to learn of this appalling arson attack” on The Railway Bar and Steam Dining on Wednesday.
In a message to owner Abjan Acharya, Mr Whittley said: “Not only has it ruined your business but it has destroyed our old family home and its invaluable history.”
The Edinburgh-based science consultant said the Kingsmoss Tavern was built by his ancestor William Whittley in 1840 and six generations of the family were raised there.
‘Muslims out’ was scrawled on the wall of the premises, previously known as Maloney’s Bar. Police described the attack as a racially motivated hate crime.
Mr Acharya, who is a Hindu and originally from Nepal, moved to Belfast as a youngster and attended school in the city before studying at university in Liverpool.
The 32-year-old opened the restaurant attached to the Railway Bar on the Ballyclare Road earlier this year. The building’s owner, Debbie Hill, said the damage is so extensive the property likely will have to be demolished.
A GoFundMe set up by a friend and DUP councillor Caleb McCready had raised more than £3,500 by early Friday.
Mr Whittley said the destruction of the building “has saddened and offended our extended family both in Ireland and around the world”.
“Such race hatred has no place in our modern society,” he added.
“The Nepalese people, in particular, are very welcome in the UK, not least for their courage and sacrifice in the Gurkha regiments in defence of our country.”
Mr Whittley said: “The pub was always a place of welcome and friendship. If you decide to rebuild, I will come help you.”
Mr Acharya said: “This venue was more than just a business; it was a piece of history, a place that brought people together and created lasting memories.
“We are shattered and deeply saddened to see it destroyed. Your favourite local pub, a place that brought so much happiness to so many, has been brought to its knees.
“We were striving to grow, offering a wide variety of food and drinks, and our dedicated staff worked tirelessly to ensure every customer left with a smile. So many people depended on this place, our staff, our neighbours, and our community as a whole.
“I never imagined that my skin color and religion would make us a target for such a hateful act. My sole intention was to run a business, provide jobs, and make a modest living.” Twelve people were employed at the bar and restaurant.
“Unfortunately, the reality we faced was beyond anything I could have imagined,” Mr Acharya added.
“While this has been a painful experience, I sincerely hope that this crime marks the end of such hatred. The world is vast and full of hope, and we must continue to look forward.”
Mr Acharya told The Irish News: “When I heard in the early hours there was a fire, my first thought was a spark or something had caused it accidentally.
“Then I saw the writing on the wall, and I realised that this was deliberate, and I’m just devastated that someone would want to do this. It’s really shocking.”
