'Racist and sectarian' graffiti in Derry condemned
Graffiti that appeared on a number of properties in a new housing development in Londonderry has been condemned as "racist and sectarian" by local politicians.
The graffiti, some of which had messages referring to migrants and Catholics not being welcome in the area, appeared on the front of four houses at Church Brae in the Waterside area of the city over the weekend.
It has been described as “deeply concerning” by Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member Gary Middleton.
Ulster Unionist councillor Darren Guy said it is “totally unacceptable” and Sinn Féin's Christopher Jackson described it as an "attempt to intimidate people and families from living in brand new homes".
Foyle MLA Gary Middelton said such incidents are not representative of the wider Waterside area.
“It's unacceptable and needs to be called out," Mr Middleton told BBC News NI.
"We have to show as a society that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."
Mr Middleton has urged anyone with information to contact the police.
Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson said he was appalled by the incident.
“This is the latest vile and hate-driven attempt to intimidate people and families from living in brand new homes," he said.
“There is an onus on all political and community leaders to stand united in calling out racist and sectarian intimidation."
SDLP councillor Sean Mooney has said there “can be no place for racist or sectarian intimidation in the city”.
He described the incident as “extremely disheartening”, saying it was a clear "attempt to intimidate”.
“People in this city are well aware of the housing crisis we are dealing with," he said.
"New housing developments, wherever they are, must be open to everyone.”
'Recent upsurge in racism'
Mr Guy, who is also the city’s deputy mayor, described the graffiti as “sectarian and racist”.
“The recent upsurge in racism across various parts of Northern Ireland is a stain on our society and should be condemned by all," the Waterside councillor said.
"People just want to live their lives in peace."
BBC News NI has contacted the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for a statement.
