Joe Farrell: "It is disgraceful"

One of the drivers, Joe Farrell from the Paddy Wagons firm, said he had been woken up to find the buses destroyed.

Mr Farrell said: "At about 1.30am this morning I was woken from my sleep to see that the buses were in flames and burned out, completely destroyed.

"It is very bad, not good for Belfast and for tourism.

"Between the three buses, there were 39 people including Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and Americans and they certainly did not come to Belfast to see this.

"I think it is disgraceful," he said.

The companies have been coming to Belfast and using the hostel for more than two years.

Belfast Lord Mayor Sammy Wilson has condemned the attacks.

He said: "These attacks are reprehensible and can not be tolerated.

"I hope that the police follow up every possible lead to ensure that those who carried out the acts are caught."

Replacement buses are being sent from the Irish capital, Dublin, allowing the backpackers to continue their trip as planned.