A councillor has condemned threats to a judge after graffiti appeared outside Newtownards Courthouse.
Images show the green paint with a crosshairs symbol along with M.Hamill, referencing District Judge Mark Hamill who has been dealing with multiple cases linked to a drugs gang feud in the area.
There was also visible damage to the windows outside the entrance to the building.
Independent councillor Steven Irvine posted a statement, saying he believed the ‘Real UFF’ were behind the incident.
“This attack comes following the gang threatening to ‘shoot and bomb’ women and kids, threatening community workers and elected representatives, orchestrating a shooting incident against themselves in a cynical PR stunt, engaging in a show of strength in flagrant breach of the Terrorism Act and now threatening our district judge,” he said.
Mr Irvine claimed the latest incident was part of “an orchestrated effort by the drug dealing gang to inflame the court in order to negatively interfere with bail applications”.
Calling on the police to do more to restore order, he added: “They (those responsible) attack property facing the police station, brazenly threaten women and children, parade around in balaclavas and ‘Real UFF’ coats and now believe they can threaten judges without consequence.
“The local loyalist community stand four-square behind Judge Hammill and repeat the call for the PSNI to deal with this drug-dealing gang of parasites.”
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The SDLP's Justice spokesperson, Sinéad McLaughlin MLA, called the threat "absolutely disgraceful".
"Nobody should be subjected to threats for simply doing their job and any attempt to intimidate a member of our judiciary or influence the rule of law must be treated with the utmost seriousness," she said.
“Those behind this threat have wreaked havoc within their own community and anyone found to have engaged in wrongdoing must face the consequences of their actions.
"Any attempt to impede justice from taking its course through threats or anything else will fail and those responsible will be held accountable."
She added that the threat would evoke painful memories for many in Northern Ireland, with a number of legal professionals sadly losing their lives during the Troubles.
"My thoughts are with Judge Hamill, his family and anyone who has been affected by this threat.”
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International called the incident "a disgraceful and sinister attempt to intimidate a judge from doing their job".
"Judges and the wider legal profession play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and defending human rights for all," he said.
"Solidarity to District Judge Mark Hamill and colleagues."
The incident comes as a number of men are due in court on Wednesday on charges of removing paramilitary murals from Weavers Grange estate.
Judge Hamill has recently refused bail applications in several cases linked to an ongoing loyalist feud.
During a case earlier this month in which he refused a bail application, he said: "My approach (to bail) is coloured and I will say this again until it finally perculates. This is a question about the rule of law in North Down.
"I say that because there was a challenge to the rule of law in North Down when during the course of this ongoing feud some genius decided to daub a threat to kill on the walls of the court in Newtownards.
"That was a threat to the rule of law in Newtownards and it was a message to the court. Well, the court is giving a message straight back. No chance of bail.''
A police spokesperson said it is believed the incident took place overnight and is now being investigated as criminal damage.
"Enquiries are continuing, and police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between approximately 6pm yesterday, Tuesday July 25, and 7.30am (on Wednesday) to contact 101, quoting reference number 292 of July 26.
A report can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
