Sectarian graffiti in Ballycarry a hate crime, say police

Council officers are working to remove the graffiti as soon as possible.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We received a report on Monday that graffiti was daubed on a road and kids play park in the area.

“The incident is being treated as a sectarian hate crime at this time, and our enquiries are continuing.

“If you were in the area and noticed anything suspicious, please call officers in Larne on 101 and quote reference number 573 of 26/04/20.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council officers were tasked with removing slogans painted on a road and paths at the village on Saturday night.

Community and elected representatives condemned those behind the incident.

William Thompson, chair of Ballycarry Community Association, said: “The graffiti was extreme in its nature and is not reflective in any way at all of the decent minded folk who live in this community. It is not welcome at any time and I condemned it outright.”

DUP Alderman Paul Reid called on anyone with information to contact police.

Mr Reid said; “I totally condemn the recent graffiti attacks in Ballycarry. Such actions serve no purpose in a right thinking society.

“This is not a reflection on the good people of Ballycarry, who are deeply saddened at these actions in their village.”

Party colleague Councillor Gregg McKeen contacted council to have the graffiti removed.

Mark McKinty, a former UUP councillor and a native of the village, said the “vile comments” had prompted widespread condemnation.

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