Local Councillors Condemn 'Vile' Bangor Homophobic Hate Crime

A Bangor resident has been left angry after a homophobic slur was daubed on the outside of a flat in the seaside town, prompting outrage from the local community and political representatives.

"All queers out" was painted on a door in the Rathgill area on Sunday 16 December.

The vandalism was "very upsetting and frightening for the resident," according to PSNI officers who responded to the report.

"Police have a zero tolerance attitude to hate crime and hate incidents just like this," a spokesperson added.

A DUP councillor spoke out against the perpetrator.

Tom Smith tweeted: "This is vile, bigoted behaviour.

"It is outrageous that one of our citizens should be treated this way. These acts of homophobia and hatred must be condemned by all.

"We must refuse to tolerate them within our community," the representative for Ards and North Down added.

Alliance councillor Karen Douglas also spoke out to deplore the attack.

She said: "This is an absolutely appalling incident and one which the whole community must be united in condemning.

"No-one has the right to target someone else in this vile way and my thoughts are with the resident in question as they overcome this invasion on their home.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible, allowing them to stamp out this nasty behaviour once and for all."

Police are appealing for information in relation to the incident, and posted on Facebook: "If you know anything about this, or witnessed it, we want to hear from you. Please contact Ards Police on our non-emergency number 101. Serial for this is 996 of 16/12/2018."



(JG/CM)