Police in Portadown, Co Armagh, are asking for the support of the local community following a number of hate incidents in the Corcrain Drive area.
Inspector Gary Jones, Portadown Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “There have been a number of incidents in the Corcrain Drive area over the last week, including one incident where a car was set on fire.
“In other incidents a car and garden fence had hate graffiti painted on them and National Front stickers were placed on a car and the pillar of a house. This is unacceptable.
“We are investigating these incidents and believe they may be linked to recent searches and arrests in relation to a serious sexual assault in Portadown in August.
“Hate crime is a priority for police across Northern Ireland and incidents of this nature must be condemned by all right thinking people.
“In its worst form this is intimidation, harassment and bullying and there is no place for this in Portadown.
“We will be increasing patrols in the local area and working with local community representatives to address concerns. I am asking anyone with information in relation to these incidents, or anyone who notices anything suspicious in the local area to contact police immediately.
“You can dial 101 for a non-emergency or 999 in an emergency.”
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