COUNCILLORS in east Belfast have condemned the appearance of sectarian graffiti threatening Catholics.
"No Taigs in our area" was sprayed across a wall in Connsbrook Avenue on Thursday.
It followed several instances of sectarian graffiti appearing in areas of north and south Belfast earlier this month.
Within hours the east Belfast slogan had been painted over, news welcomed by elected representatives.
Ulster Unionist councillor Sonia Copeland described the graffiti as "disgusting" while Alliance’s David Armitage said there could be "no justification".
Councillor Armitage said: "It is appalling that some people would still retain attitudes such as these in our society. There is no place for anyone to have such a sectarian outlook."
He added: "I welcome the widespread condemnation it received from all quarters but I would also appeal to all those who have influence in these communities to use it to work together to help remove attitudes such as these, which lead to this sort of graffiti."
The graffiti was painted opposite a primary school within the predominantly unionist Sydenham area of east Belfast.
Victoria Park, a state controlled school, has in recent years welcomed increasing numbers of Catholic and ethnic minority pupils.
Last night one Twitter user said she had rallied "a group from the community" to paint over the message after a parent "messaged me saying she doesn't want her kids seeing this and asking her what it meant".
Police appealed for anyone with information about the graffiti to call the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
