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PSNI probing link between Banbridge graffiti and attack on Bulgarian family's car

Police believe graffiti daubed in Banbridge is linked to an attack on a Bulgarian family's car in the town. Picture by PSNI Banbridge
Police believe graffiti daubed in Banbridge is linked to an attack on a Bulgarian family's car in the town. Picture by PSNI Banbridge Police believe graffiti daubed in Banbridge is linked to an attack on a Bulgarian family's car in the town. Picture by PSNI Banbridge

GRAFFITI stating "EU rats out" along with a swastika has been linked to an attack on a Bulgarian family's car in Co Down.

The racist slogans were daubed on a wall at Seapatrick Avenue in Banbridge some time between Monday and Tuesday. It has since been painted over.

Police believe the graffiti may be linked to an attack last week when a Bulgarian family living in the town had the tyres of their car slashed.

The word "out" was also painted on the side of the vehicle, which was parked at Lincoln Walk area last Friday.

In a video posted on social media, police said officers are investigating if the two crimes are linked.

PSNI Chief Inspector Jon Burrows branded the crimes "despicable and unacceptable".

He appealed for people to contact them or to give information anonymously through Crimestoppers.

"We are doing everything we normally do to protect the victims, but I need a name to bring those responsible to justice.

"Please help us do this," he said.

Sinn Féin assembly member John O'Dowd said those responsible for these attacks "are to be condemned outright".

"Those in politics and the media who propagate fear of immigrants need to be aware that their words and actions lead to hate crimes such as those we have witnessed recently in Banbridge," he said.

"Whether it is swastikas or UVF flags and Red Hand Commando plaques on display in Banbridge they all send out the same message of hate.

"EU immigrants or your neighbour of a different faith is not your enemy nor the cause of poverty and unemployment.

"We will not tolerate attacks against anyone due to their nationality, faith or the language they speak or any other reason for that matter.

"There can be no place whatsoever for racism in our society."