Police have removed a banner from a children’s play park in Moygashel, County Tyrone, for the second time and are treating the incident as a hate crime.

The banner, which depicted a group of men wearing turbans being stopped from entering a park, was first fastened to the play park fence in May. It was removed by authorities, but was replaced the following day.

Officers removed the banner again on Tuesday, June 16. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the placing of the banner is being investigated as a criminal offence, and enquiries are ongoing.

Sinn Féin assembly member Colm Gildernew said the banner was racist and had been erected solely to sow division in the community. He described it as the responsibility of political representatives and community leaders to speak out against it.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.