Anti-immigration posters removed from Rathcoole

The posters had been placed along the main road.

Police have removed anti-immigration posters from the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey following community concerns.

The threatening posters, which were erected on poles, warned that anyone "facilitating the settlement of Muslims or illegals" in the area "will be held responsible".

This image, which included a close-up of eyes, ended with the further threat "We are watching".

The posters were taken down by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after representations from members of the community.

Some posters still remain on lamp posts.

In a statement to BBC News NI, the police said the posters were unacceptable.

"Whilst we had sought the support of partner agencies in relation to the removal of these posters from their property and discussions had been ongoing, the length of time they had been in situ was a significant concern for us," a spokesperson said.

"These have now been removed by local officers and their placement is being treated as a hate crime."

'Posters are not welcome'

Some other anti-immigration posters remain on poles in parts of the estate.

They carry a message declaring "Stop the illegal immigrants" and add "We need to protect our children".

People in the community are reluctant to speak out publicly against the latest campaign because of concerns about potential retaliation.

Privately, many people in the local community say it does not reflect the views or the values of the wider community in Rathcoole.

According to some local sources, the campaign of intimidation is being conducted by a small group of individuals who do not have the support of the community in Rathcoole.

Democratic Unionist Party MLA Philip Brett told BBC News NI that the police with the support of political representatives had removed the posters.

"We trust that this is the end of the issue," he said.

“The Muslim community make an important impact in north Belfast and right across Northern Ireland.

“The message from the people of Rathcoole, north Belfast and Northern Ireland has been clear that these people are welcome in our community and those posters are not.”