PSNI officers removed racist posters targeting Muslims in the Rathcoole estate on Tuesday as the service voiced “significant concern” over the length of time they had been visible.
The sinister posters were put up in and around the Newtownabbey estate a number of weeks ago, and warned anyone “facilitating the settlement of Muslims or illegals in our areas will be held responsible.”
Other posters which appeared on lampposts included statements warning: “Stop the illegal immigrants” and “We need to protect our children”.
Representatives in the area condemned the posters as “unacceptable” in the wake of a spate of racist disorder and attacks on Muslim homes and businesses last month.
In an update provided to the Irish News on Tuesday, the PSNI said it had “sought the support of partner agencies” in relation to the removal of the posters, but had since removed them.
“Police are aware of posters which were erected in the Rathcoole area of Newtownabbey, a number of weeks ago,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
“Material of this kind is totally unacceptable and whilst we had sought the support of partner agencies in relation to the removal of these posters from their property and discussions had been ongoing, the length of time they had been in situ was a significant concern for us.
“These have now been removed by local officers and their placement is being treated as a hate crime. We will continue to engage with the local community and representatives in the area, alongside partner agencies.
“Anyone who may have any information which could assist with our enquiries can contact us by calling 101, or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/report.”
Earlier this month a racist road sign mocking the plight of migrants was removed from the Moygashel area of Co Tyrone by PSNI officers.
It appeared in the aftermath of a series of racist attacks and disorder across Belfast in August, with the PSNI facing questions over its differing approach between the removal of racist signage and flags of paramilitary organisations.
The PSNI has said it “retains operational discretion” as to what flags, emblems and posters it removes.