'Racist' graffiti outside Cookstown school being probed by PSNI

Police are appealing for information following criminal damage to a number of buildings in the Cookstown area.

Graffiti has been noted in several areas of the Co Tyrone town, including James Street, Burn Road and Loy Street, and is being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime. The graffiti depicts nazi symbols and uses aggressive racist language.

Local policing Inspector Ross said: "I want to assure the public that we take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously. There is no place in our society for such behaviour. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 1255 of 27/05/24.”

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SDLP Mid Ulster candidate Cllr Denise Johnston has condemned the appearance of racist graffiti in Cookstown, some of it outside a local school. Cllr Denise Johnston said: “This graffiti is absolutely disgusting. It has no place here and it doesn’t represent people in Cookstown. I’ve been here this morning talking to people, everyone is shocked and horrified at the naked and aggressive hate that has been put on display.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this to come forward to police. The recent raise in hate incidents is a serious problem and it underscores how urgently we need new legislation to deal with people who think that they can attack others in our community and get away with it. I will be writing to the Justice Minister seeking an urgent update on her promised hate crime law.

“We have been in touch with the council to make sure this graffiti is removed as soon as possible.”

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