Police are investigating a series of hate-motivated graffiti incidents in the village of Eglinton, County Londonderry. Swastikas, "white only" slogans, and other offensive markings were spray-painted on properties along Coolafinny Road, Ballygudden Road, and Mill Path over the past fortnight.

The PSNI confirmed the criminal damage is being treated as a hate crime. Officers have increased patrols to reassure the public and warned those involved that the behaviour is not harmless fun and could lead to serious consequences.

Local representatives condemned the vandalism. SDLP councillor Declan Norris described the graffiti as completely unacceptable, noting it had reappeared after residents tried to clean it off. He said even newly painted community artwork had been targeted.

Sinn Féin councillor Alex Duffy said he had been contacted by concerned residents about fascist graffiti including swastikas and "white only" messages. He said the village had long been a welcoming and inclusive community and called for the perpetrators to be identified and the graffiti removed quickly.

UUP councillor Janice Montgomery said the sight was devastating. She reported the incidents to the Department for Infrastructure for removal, but acknowledged some residents had attempted to remove the graffiti themselves only for it to return.

Eglinton resident Zoe McNerlin, who helped clean up the graffiti, said the repeated spraying had angered many in the area. She described a sinister aspect to the reappearance of the markings after clean-ups.

Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1657 of 19/07/26, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.