Police are investigating reports that a bullet has been posted to a school in County Londonderry.

The posting of the bullet to Tobermore Primary school has been condemned by local politicians.

It is thought that the package was not targeted at any individual; however comments made by local politicians seem to imply the actions were racially motivated.

Ulster Unionist Mid-Ulster MLA Sandra Overend said: "A Primary School should be a place of safety for all children, and to send a bullet to one is an act of utter madness.

"This is absolutely deplorable and I condemn it outright. It has no place in the future we are trying to build for all the children of Northern Ireland, regardless of race or creed."

Sinn Féin MLA Ian Milne said: "The PSNI need to treat this as a hate crime as I believe that this threat is targeting a family that recently settled in the area.

"There are still those in the community who want to continually divide society whether it is through religion or race and the community needs to stand firm against these threats.

"I am sure that the people of Magherafelt will stand in support of this family and their children in ensuring that the right of a child to have a good education is protected."

Alliance Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn said: "Whatever the reason that caused the perpetrators to send a bullet in the post, there is no justification for such a threat. I am appalled and angered that somebody would do this. It is completely unacceptable.

"The people responsible are beyond contempt. Their actions have no place in our society.

"If anybody has any information about this incident then I would urge them to contact the Police."

(IT)