Police have confirmed they took action to remove anti-immigration posters in Rathcoole recently amid concerns about how long they were in place.

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".

Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said it was “unacceptable” that the posters had been allowed to stay on the lampposts for around seven weeks when he would have anticipated a response from the DfI to remove them within “hours” of them going up. Mr Singleton said the PSNI ultimately took the decision to take down the posters themselves.

The PSNI have refused to give its rationale for why the force removed anti-immigration posters from public display, but does nothing when it comes to far more widespread sectarian displays.

Anti-immigration posters that were put up in the Rathcoole estate should have been removed by the Department for Infrastructure, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said.

Removal of anti-immigration posters must not be left to the police to deal with alone, the Justice Minister has said. Naomi Long said there was a need for all statutory agencies and Executive ministers to show a willingness to “step up” to tackle racism and xenophobia in Northern