ONLINE comments made against a group of asylum seekers in Carrickfergus are being investigated as potential hate crimes, police have said.
The comments were directed at a group of around 30 refugees who have been housed in the Loughshore Hotel in the Co Antrim town.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said police had received several complaints.
"It is important to remember that it is not illegal to seek asylum in the United Kingdom," he said.
He said asylum seekers go through a "rigorous process" before they are given leave to remain.
DUP councillor Marc Collins caused outrage this week after he queried why the asylum seekers were being temporarily housed in Carrickfergus.
The DUP, which has been urged to censure Mr Collins about his remarks, has so far remained silent.
Former Belfast councillor Jolene Bunting was also among those who complained about the migrants and posted a video of herself outside the hotel.
It is understood that police could be investigating hundreds of derogatory remarks made on social media.
Amnesty International launched a petition yesterday calling on Stormont and all political leaders to defend the asylum seekers staying at the hotel.