Sinn Féin’s Declan Kearney has called for robust police action to eradicate the influence of a self-styled paramilitary criminal gang responsible for the campaign of racist and sectarian intimidation in Antrim Town.

The South Antrim MLA said:

“I have become increasingly alarmed by the growing campaign of intimidation in Antrim Town during recent weeks, beginning with the erection of ‘locals only’ posters in the Ballycraigy estate. This was quickly followed by the targeting of ethnic minority families and culminated in a deliberate attempt to prevent families from moving into a neighbouring new social housing development.

“Following my initial contact with police regarding the appearance of the anti-immigrant posters in Ballycraigy estate, I allowed time for reported engagements to secure a resolution. However, it is now clear that this approach has failed, and the intimidation has escalated.

“A small gang of paramilitary criminals is trying to control and coerce the greater Ballycraigy neighbourhood. They are attempting to increase fear and destroy the good community and multi-cultural relations which are now enjoyed in Antrim. We must collectively ensure they do not succeed. 

“The deliberate targeting of homes and property belonging to ethnic minority families, resulting in some having to leave the area is indefensible. In my view the subsequent erection of flags, painting of kerbstones and vandalising of homes in the neighbouring Reford development is part of an orchestrated campaign to enforce sectarian and racist segregation. This has since extended to the new development adjoining the Fountain Hill Clear Pharmacy site.  

“Overnight on Sunday 30 June various types of flags were festooned in shared space and mixed communal areas, including the vicinity of St Comgall’s and the Chapel Corner, immediately adjacent to Tesco’s shopping complex, and throughout the town centre. This action is a premeditated attempt to raise tensions and to intimidate.

“The current situation is absolutely unacceptable. Such destabilising, hate filled activity must not go unchallenged. This is Antrim in 2024, not Alabama in 1964. There is no place for racism, sectarianism, or paramilitary influence.

“Last Friday I raised my deepening concerns directly with the senior PSNI command and asked for an assessment of the ongoing situation. I was assured that a proactive policing approach is in place, including deployment of additional resources to provide for an increased police presence in the areas concerned.

“While I welcome the commitments provided by the PSNI to deliver upscaled police activity, this must urgently translate into robust operations to stop the escalating campaign of sectarian and racist intimidation. That must extend to putting those responsible before the courts.

“In this period, I would appeal to our local community to fully engage and cooperate with the police and provide the information which can ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.”