A lone female walker was subjected to vile sectarian abuse from a unknown man in Armagh on Sunday morning.
The shocking incident happened close to the junction between the Keady Road and Rock Road.
The woman was walking her dog when a jogger began shouting sectarian abuse at her.
The man is described as being in his 30s, wearing running gear and spoke with a Scottish accent.
Police are treating this as a hate crime and anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or anyone with footage that could assist enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 970 of 10/10/23.
A social media post has also warned residents in the Rock Road area to be vigilant.
The woman was said to be “scared for her life”.
The post added: “The tirade of abuse shocked her and was totally unexpected. She has walked the neighbourhood for many years as she lives near to the Rock Road.
“The jogger’ had approached her from the Keady Road end, near to the road bowlers’ summer seat. It caused her a lot of trauma. She immediately returned home and told her husband what had happened. Apparently this stranger has been seen several times along the road.
“The local community should be made aware of this sectarian assault, as someone who does this is capable of anything. She does not wish to be identified but remains afraid to go back out on the road.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Councillor Sarah Duffy said sectarianism has no place in society.
Councillor Duffy said: “I was contacted by a constituent who was subjected to sectarian abuse while out for a walk on the Rock Road at the weekend.
“This was a disgraceful incident, and I strongly condemn it. Everyone in society, should be able to live free from any fear of intimidation.
“I have met with the victim and the police about the incident and I would urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police.
“There is no place for sectarianism or hatred in our city – we are looking forward and working together towards a better future for all.”
