Racist and misogynistic graffiti that appeared in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road areas of south Belfast after the Twelfth of July parades has been removed, police said.

The graffiti included messages supporting Dominique Pelicot, the French man convicted in 2024 of drugging and raping his wife Gisele over a decade. Other paint included racial slurs targeting black and Asian communities, a crossed-out Islamic crescent and star, and the slogan “Stop the Boats” on businesses run by immigrants.

South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw condemned the graffiti as “extremely disappointing and alarming” and an expression of racial hatred. She said the First and deputy First Minister must go beyond their framework and tackle racist attitudes with greater urgency.

SDLP MP Claire Hanna said the images were not “just graffiti” but reflected attitudes that are too often dismissed. She noted that Gisele Pelicot became an international symbol of dignity, and celebrating her abuser was cowardly.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said they received a report shortly before 11am on Tuesday, 14 July, concerning graffiti in Wellwood Street and surrounding areas. Officers attended and the material was removed. Enquiries are ongoing.