PSNI treating mural in Newtownabbey and banner in Moygashel as hate incidents

The Newtownabbey mural, shows armed men waving green flags as a church burns, and carries the words, “Islam is heathen, Islam is Satanic”.

Police said they received a report at on Saturday 30 May, concerning a mural unveiling in the Tulleevin Walk area of Newtownabbey.

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," police said.

"Our enquiries are ongoing in relation to this matter – and we will be engaging with community representatives and partner agencies in due course."

Police are asking for anyone with information to contact police on tel 101, quoting reference 724 30/05/26.

Police also received a report of a banner erected in the Moygashel area on Friday 29 May.

The left side of the banner shows children playing happily in a grassy area in the sun, while the right side shows men in turbans who are apparently being denied access to the area by a man in a high visibility vest and a ‘stop’ barrier. Next to them is a sign saying: "Not wanted, not welcome, not here".

Neighbourhood Inspector Robert Jeffers said “The matter is being treated by police as a hate incident.

“Enquiries are ongoing at this time, and we are engaging with local partners in relation to the banner.

“Anyone with any information that could assist are asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 891 29/05/26."

The public can report information on either incident at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.