An anti-Islam mural unveiled in Co Antrim on Saturday is being treated as a “hate incident” by the PSNI.
Police received a report around lunchtime concerning the unveiling of the display in the Tulleevin Walk area of Newtownabbey.
The mural shows what appears to be an AI image of a burning church, and includes the headline ‘A new evil has arisen’ across the centre.
Above that are two quotes, ‘Islam is Heathen, Islam is Satanic’ and ‘Islam is a Doctrine spawned in Hell’.
There are also references to Winston Churchill, Enoch Powell and Pastor James McConnell.
A police spokesperson said: “Officers attended the area and examined the mural erected on a property. This report is being treated as a hate incident – with potential criminal damage offences.
“Our enquiries are ongoing in relation to this matter – and we will be engaging with community representatives and partner agencies in due course.”
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on the 101 number, quoting reference 724 30/05/26.”
A new sign on a cable wall off the O’Neill’s Road in Newtonabbey.
The display appeared one day after police said they were investigating the erection of an anti-immigration sign in Co Tyrone.
The offensive banner was put up in a children’s play park in the village of Moygashel near Dungannon earlier this week and is also being treated as a ‘hate incident’ by the PSNI.