The father of the family-of-three said they have been in the house in an estate in and around the Glens area of the town for three years. He said the attacks on his home, where he lives with his wife and 33-year-old son, started several months ago.

Last winter, the 55-year-old said their oil tank was drained and, in recent weeks, the man claimed youths have hurled bricks and stones at their home. On one occasion, a window was broken. They have also been subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "We are aware that the occupants have had property damaged in the past and are currently being subjected to acts of anti-social behaviour, which undoubtedly interferes with their quality of life. We are actively investigating these incidents."

Limavady Sinn Fein Mayor Brenda Chivers, who has visited with the family, said the harassment was another "black mark" against Limavady.

She said: "We must remember that Irish people have settled in countries all over the world and have welcomed people from other countries here, but unfortunately there are a small number of narrow-minded people who choose to attack people simply because they come from a different cultural background.

"This is clearly a situation that cannot be tolerated."

In light of the arsons in the town, Mayor Chivers said: "You would think people would be looking out for their neighbour and curbing the message of hatred, instead of victimising one another".

She said: "Diversity allows the economy to grow and develops the fabric of society. There is no place for those who carry out racial attacks and a clear message must be sent out that it is racists who are not welcome in our society."

Colr. Chivers said at the next District Policing Partnership meeting in August she would raise the issue of community patrols "and question the PSNI on what exactly is being done to curb any social tensions between the foreign nationals and the existing Irish residents of Limavady."

PSNI figures show eight hate crimes were recorded during 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively.

DPP Chair, SDLP Colr. Michael Coyle said the attacks were of concern, and added that even though only a fairly small number of hate crimes have been recorded in Limavady "if you are the person being perpetrated, it's terrible. This is something we don't want to see in Limavady. It shouldn't happen."

He continued: "No matter who it is, whether you are a foreign national or not, everyone is entitled to the right to freedom and living without harassment or stress."

Appeal

Police want witnesses, or anyone who can help to identify those responsible for hate crimes to contact the police at Limavady at 0845 600 8000, or call Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111.