Family driven out by racism and death threats

Majed Sultan, 29, and his partner Sobia Bostan, 24, were looking forward to moving in to the three-bedroom house with their two children on Monday but were left terrified after finding disturbing graffiti along with broken windows.

Among the messages was the chilling pledge 'You'll burn', scaring the family from moving into the Pennine Housing property they had picked so three-year-old son Mohammed, who suffers from Down's Syndrome and a heart defect, would have more space for medical equipment.

Mr Sultan went to see the home in Illingworth, Halifax, on Sunday only to be greeted by graffiti daubed on the front door.

He said: "I am more than disappointed. I had had a lovely chat with a neighbour about how good the area was and we were looking forward to moving in. I thought it would be a nice place to live. Obviously I was wrong."

The couple, who have two children, Mohammed Noorulhuda Sultan, three, and Zaimab Majed, four, explained that their current house in Halifax was too cramped to cope with their youngest son's medical needs.

Mrs Bostan said: "We especially wanted this three-bedroom house with a garden but we have two kids and would now be worried if we lived there. I was totally shocked at what happened."

Neighbours reported seeing a group of teenagers in hoodies running away from the property at around 11.45pm last Friday.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We are shocked and panicky at what has gone on.''

Pennine Housing spokeswoman Lindsey Merifield said: "Mr Sultan previously worked as a youth adviser in this area and, like ourselves, is shocked and saddened that something like this has happened in this community."

She said Pennine would work closely with the police to find those responsible and work closely with the family to try to offer support and assistance.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said inquiries were ongoing.