Nadine Osman
A row has erupted over the removal of a controversial anti-Muslim banner from a children’s play park in Northern Ireland after a DUP councillor questioned why police took the display down before the local council had reached a decision on its future.
The banner, erected in Moygashel, County Tyrone, featured AI-generated images showing white families enjoying a park while a group of Muslim men appeared to be barred from entering. It carried the stark message: “Not Welcome, Not Wanted, Not Here.”
The display was first reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on May 29. Officers removed it on June 5 and confirmed they are now investigating its erection as a criminal offence.
The move was welcomed by nationalist politicians, who described the banner as racist, hateful and designed to stir division within the community.
However, DUP Councillor Clement Cuthbertson has demanded an explanation from senior police officers, claiming the council had not yet decided whether the banner should be removed when officers intervened.
According to Cuthbertson, the PSNI wrote to Mid Ulster District Council on June 3 advising that it “may wish” to remove the banner and categorised the matter as a hate incident rather than a hate crime. Police also offered assistance if the council chose to take action.
But Cuthbertson said he was informed by council officials on the morning of June 5 that the authority was still considering the issue and had not responded to police correspondence before officers removed the display themselves.
In a statement posted on social media, he said: “I have spoken directly with senior police officers and have requested a full explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the removal of the banner.
“I am currently awaiting their response.”
Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with officers now treating the erection of the banner “ as a criminal offence.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The banner’s removal was welcomed by Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew, who said it had been erected solely to spread hatred and division.
“I welcome the removal of the offensive and racist banner at a children’s play park in Moygashel, which was erected solely to sow hate and division in our community,” he said.
“There is no place in our society for racism, and it is the responsibility of all political representatives and community leaders to stand against hate and racism.
“Those who erected this vile banner have nothing to offer our society.”
SDLP Councillor Karol McQuade also backed the decision, arguing that the display had been intended to intimidate local residents and make minority communities feel unwelcome.
“I am glad to see that this hateful banner has now been removed,” he said.
“Its erection was a clear attempt to intimidate local people and make families feel unwelcome at council-owned facilities that are there for everyone.”
McQuade insisted those behind the banner did not represent the wider Moygashel community, describing the area as one of Northern Ireland’s most diverse.
“The people responsible for this banner do not speak for the people of Moygashel,” he said.
“The people who have chosen to make their lives here contribute enormously to our society through their work, their culture and their involvement in local community life.”
He added: “It’s deeply disappointing that we continue to see incidents like this in Moygashel. Nobody should be subjected to hatred, racism or intimidation in the place they now call home.”
The incident comes amid wider concerns over anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment in parts of Northern Ireland, with community leaders warning that such displays risk inflaming tensions and leaving minority communities feeling increasingly unsafe.
