Police are investigating a report of hate-related anti-social behaviour after Sinn Féin election canvassers were subjected to sectarian abuse in Lisburn on Saturday.

The incident occurred near a filling station at the entrance to Thaxton on Lady Wallace Lane. Sinn Féin councillor Declan Lynch, who is standing for the Assembly in Lagan Valley, said his mother, his wife and their young child were among those targeted. Lynch himself and West Belfast MLA Danny Baker were also subjected to verbal abuse.

Lynch reported the matter to police. A police spokesperson confirmed a report was received shortly after 1pm on Saturday and that inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.

Describing the abuse as disgusting, Lynch said it would not deter him from working for all people in Lagan Valley. He added that the day’s canvass was the largest his party had ever conducted in Lisburn and that the response from residents was positive.