Restaurant shuts temporarily after windows smashed

BBC Shows a woman with her hair in plaits and a cardigan standing in front of a restaurant BBC
Sandra Agoha runs the African food restaurant in the Waterside

The owner of an African food restaurant in Londonderry said she has had to close for a week following a weekend attack.

Windows were smashed at Sandy's African food hub in the Spencer Road area of the Waterside on Saturday.

Sandra Agoha, who opened the family restaurant two years ago, said the incident will not put her out of business.

The police are trying to establish a motive but are not treating it as a hate crime at the moment.

Shows damage to a window which is painted in bright colours
The damage to the front of Sandy's African food hub

'My family don't need this'

Ms Agoha told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme she felt "threatened" after the incident.

"I don't have any idea who may be behind this or what has motivated them," she said.

"I'm not sure what could happen next. There is a possibility this could be a warning sign.

"Whoever did this, my message to you is – this is not nice, I am working to support the community the best I can, my family do not need this."

Ms Agoha said she was determined to reopen once repairs are completed.

She also thanked her customers for their "overwhelming support".

"The community has really put their arms around me, offering support and love. We must remain united now as one community – one city.

"My spirit cannot be broken by this, I will continue to do what I do best and that is serving authentic African food to the people of this great city.

"This is a huge challenge, but we will overcome it."