Pig's head left at Islamic worship centre in Newtownards hate crime

By David Hunter and Adam Evans

WARNING - GRAPHIC IMAGE

A pig's head has been placed on the doorstep of an Islamic centre of worship in Newtownards.

Grafitti was also sprayed on the building at around 11.15pm last night. 

The PSNI say more hate graffitti was sprayed on a property in Castle Street at around 1am, and both incidents are being linked and treated as hate crimes.

Chief Inspector Hazel Reid said: "At approximately 11:15pm last night it was reported to police that a pig’s head had been placed on the doorstep and graffiti painted on a wall of a building. 

Neighbours Dean Carson & Michelle Graham speak out after pig's head left on Islamic centre doorstep in Newtownards. pic.twitter.com/rEZh9jFCgV

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 24, 2017

^{Neighbours Dean Carson & Michelle Graham}

"Shortly after 1am, it was reported that graffiti had also been painted on the wall of a building in the Castle Street area. Both these incidents are being treated as hate crimes.

“A police investigation is underway and we would appeal to anyone with information about either incident to contact police in Newtownards."

Amnesty International's Patrick Corrigan said: "Our solidarity goes to the local Muslim community, who were the targets of this vile attack, apparently fuelled by a hatred of Islam or of Muslims.

"Anyone with information about the attack should contact the PSNI.

"This is a hate crime and must be prosecuted as such by the authorities.

"In recent years this Islamic centre has been targeted by far-right activists."

He added, "When politicians fuel racist thinking, we should not be surprised when some people feel they have been given a license to act on their prejudices.

"Amnesty calls on Northern Ireland's political representatives to do all in their power to stand against hate and to ensure all minority communities feel welcome and able to live free from fear."

WARNING - GRAPHIC IMAGE