Police Investigate Racially Motivated Incident at Lurgan School


Police in Lurgan are investigating a potential racially-motivated public order offence after two signs were erected outside a local primary school.

The incident occurred on Monday evening, 6th January, when officers received a report that the signs had been tied to school railings in the Pollock Drive area of the town.

Police officers subsequently removed the signs and launched an investigation into the matter. As the investigation progresses, authorities will continue to engage with local community representatives and partner agencies.

District Commander for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Superintendent Brendan Green said: "We would reiterate our appeal that anyone with information about the signs is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1672 06/01/25."

Alternatively, you can report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Belfast Parks Photographic Competition

Belfast City Council has urged local photographers to enter their annual Belfast Parks Photographic Competition ahead of the deadline on Friday 31 January.

Sponsored by John McQuillan (Contracts) Ltd, there are four award categories to enter, with three prizes in each category, and you can enter the competition online or by post.

The categories are: People in our parks; Park landscapes; Seasons in our parks; and Under 16 years.

Up to four photographs taken in any of our parks and open spaces after 1 April 2024 can be submitted.

Councillor Ruth Brooks, Chair of the council's People and Communities Committee, said: "There is still time left to send us some of your prized snaps taken in any of our many parks across the city in the last year. With the recent snowy weather, you might have captured a prize-worthy winter wonderland shot while out on a frosty walk, or you may have a few images on your phone's camera roll that you could enter into one of the competition's four categories. If not, there's still time to explore our parks and take a few photos, enter and potentially win a prize.

"Our parks and open spaces enhance residents' wellbeing and offer a haven of tranquillity in a bustling city, as well as providing safe, accessible spaces for outdoor activities and children's recreation. They also support diverse wildlife habitats, connecting people with nature and green spaces. This competition encourages people to visit their local park, see what's there and enjoy their many offerings."

The award prizes are £150 for first place, £100 for second place and £50 for third place in each of the three main categories. Prizes will also be awarded in the Under 16 category.

The People in our parks category could include photographs of people walking, jogging, cycling or using the outdoor gyms, allotments and bowling greens.

Park landscapes could include photographs of landscapes, animals, trees plants, buildings and horticultural displays.

Seasons in our parks would capture the different seasons, flowers and colours in the city's parks and the under 16 age category is open to children under 16 years old.

For more information and to submit your photos online, visit the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parkphotocompetition

Alliance Condemns Racist Signs Outside Lurgan School

The Alliance Party has condemned those responsible for racist sigs tied to railings outside a school in Lurgan.

Speaking after police launched an investigation into the incident on Pollock Drive in the town, Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson said: "This was an appalling incident.

"There is not place for racism in our society and the last thing we want to see is this bigoted propaganda, especially when placed outside a school in an attempt to intimidate young children and their families.

"Those who placed these signs are not representatives of the wider community in Lurgan and I know others will stand with me to condemn them.

"I urge anyone with information on this incident to take it to police immediately."