Over the weekend, graffiti was daubed on a mattress placed at the site of the Ballybeen bonfire in Dundonald which read: “All taigs will be crucified”, alongside another racist slur.
The Alliance Party has since slammed “vulgar” signs placed on an on the bonfire which included a message aimed at the political party.
While the mattress has since been removed from the site, a number of other signs still remain, including signage stating: “No single foreign men”.
Another message hits out at the DUP over the Windsor Framework, stating: “DUP Irish Sea Border Sell Out”.
A new sign placed on the bonfire on Monday also referenced the Alliance Party.
In a statement, police confirmed enquiries are ongoing into the signs.
“Police received a report of material located in the Drumadoon Drive area of Dundonald on Saturday 21st June bearing a sectarian slogan,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
“This is being treated as a sectarian motivated hate crime, and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone who might have any information which could assist is asked to contact 101, and quote reference number 810 of 21/06/25.”
Alliance councillor Sharon Lowry condemned the signs and said: “Everyone has a right to celebrate their culture but it must be done in a safe and respectful manner. The continued displays we have seen at this bonfire are disgraceful and should be condemned by all.
“I urge the bonfire builder to remove them immediately. Such vulgar displays do not represent the vast majority of people in Ballybeen, who are just appalled by them as I am.”
Also speaking out about the messages on the bonfire, Sinn Fein councillor Padraig Donnelly said: “This behaviour, openly sectarian and racist, is disgusting and has no place in our society.
The bonfire in Ballybeen
News Catch Up – Monday 23rd June
“Political and community leaders must show leadership and state clearly that these acts are deplorable and unwelcome.
“The vast majority of people here are focused on moving forward — working together to build a better future, even in the face of hate and division.”
The DUP and PSNI has been contacted.