Anti NI protocol graffiti threatening port staff condemned

The graffiti in the Mourneview area of Lurgan refers to port staff in Larne and Belfast saying they are ‘active targets’.

The intimidating messages were scrawled on a gable wall close to Mourneview Community Centre.

It says: “Active targets, Larne and Belfast border post staff.

“NI Protocol and M Martin + Sinn Fein talking about a utd Ireland is an act of war. We’re ready.

“Loyalist Lurgan says No to NI Protocol, no Irish sea border, Belfast agreement, surrender.”

Alliance Cllr Peter Lavery said: “I completely condemn the intimidatory graffiti that was put up last night in Lurgan targeting port workers.

“Those behind it do not represent the people in Lurgan, and the local community does not want to see violence return to our streets.

“I have been in contact with senior Council management asking that the graffiti be removed ASAP.

“Those who are whipping up hatred need to take a step back and cool the rhetoric before someone gets injured.

“We all need to remain calm and work through problems together.”

SDLP Cllr Ciaran Toman said: “I totally condemn this act. This is a hate crime motivated by prejudice. It’s also criminal damage and anyone with information should contact the police who must investigate.

“We have to get serious about treating the elements behind rhetoric and actions like this as the threat to society that they are.

“This is a very challenging time politically and it needs all political leaders to be crystal clear that relighting old fires serves no-one.”

-

-

‘Birdman’ Leslie Harrison has died suddenly Read full story here

-

-

-

Editor’s Message:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.