Banner Removed as Hate Crime Reinstalled in Moygashel
Police are investigating after a banner that was taken down as a suspected hate-related incident was replaced at the same location in Moygashel, County Tyrone, within a day.
The banner was removed by officers from a children's play area on Friday and treated as a hate crime. By Saturday morning, an identical banner had been attached to fencing at the site, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said. Enquiries are ongoing.
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew described the display as a racist banner erected to divide the community. He called on all political representatives and community leaders to condemn it and demand its immediate removal. Mr Gildernew also highlighted reports of masked men at the park, describing the situation as a sinister development that must be fully investigated.
The Moygashel Bonfire Association defended the banner, calling it a child safety measure. The group said the police removal was an unjustified provocation and that failing to address genuine community concerns could deepen frustration and instability.