Racist graffiti in County Derry village condemned
Graffiti appeared on three homes in the Fort Drive and Forest Drive areas of Ballykelly
Racist graffiti in a County Derry village has been condemned.
Graffiti appeared on three homes in the Fort Drive and Forest Drive areas of Ballykelly in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Police are treating the incidents as hate crime.
Inspector Roxborough said: “We are treating these reports as not only criminal damage, but as hate crimes which are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our local community.
"Hate crime has no place in our society whatsoever and we will be proactive in our approach to identify those involved.
“Our investigation is ongoing and local officers are working closely with partner agencies and support groups as our enquiries continue."
Condemning those behind the attacks, Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Nicholl said there is "anger, resentment and shock within the community."
Cllr Nicholl said three families, which include an elderly, have been affected by the attacks.
“These people are working and living in the area. There is normally no trouble in this quiet place. There are alot of mixed cultures and religions living in Ballykelly for a long time and there has never been any bother. The families were dismayed that their properties have been graffitied. They don’t understand why or how this has happened.
“I want to commend neighbours on how they are surrounded and supported those affected. The families thought they needed to move but the neighbours have reiterated they have no need to move,” Cllr Nicholl said.
Anti-racism campaign group, United Against Racism Derry condemned the attacks on the Ballykelly homes.
Spokesperson for the group, Davy McAuley spoke of the need to "stamp out racist actions before the far right get a foothold".
He said: "There is deep concern and outrage regarding the recent incidents of racist graffiti sprayed on properties in Ballykelly, amongst the local community.
"These hate crimes are clearly on the increase. The painting of swastikas on NHS workers' homes in Antrim show the mentality of the people carrying out these type of attacks.
"UAR stand firmly alongside our migrant communities and will organise to protect them and continue make sure they are welcome."