Northern Ireland

Nazi graffiti sprayed outside health centre in Larne

MLA Danny Donnelly calls for the local community to stand with overseas health workers and reject the ‘twisted ideology’ behind the attack.

The graffiti appeared on the walls of Larne Medical Practice overnight. PICTURE:  DANNY DONNELLY
The graffiti appeared on the walls of Larne Medical Practice overnight. PICTURE: DANNY DONNELLY

POLICE are investigating racist graffiti at a health centre in Larne after a swastika was sprayed on the walls overnight.

With the message of ‘Locals Only’ above the symbol at Larne Medical Practice on Gloucester Avenue, Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said he was “sickened” by the incident.

“Many families in the town will have relatives that fought and died fighting the Nazis and their twisted ideology,” he said.

“We need overseas medical staff to come and work in our health service to provide care for people here.”

A police spokesperson said on Thursday: “Racist graffiti was daubed on the wall of the property and we believe this was done overnight.

“At this time our Neighbourhood officers are making enquiries in relation to the matter, and we will be engaging with the local community and our partner agencies today to have the graffiti removed.”

Anyone with relevant information is asked to call police on 101 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.



It is the latest in a string of similar incidents following a surge in racist attacks and disorder across Belfast last month.

On Tuesday, police removed racist posters targeting Muslims in the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey and earlier this month, a sign mocking the plight of migrants in the Moygashel area of Co Tyrone was also removed.

The incidents have raised questions for the police over their different approach to removing racist signs and paramilitary flags, with the PSNI previously stating it “retains operational discretion” as to what material it removes.