A COUNCILLOR in Co. Down has condemned those behind an incident in which pigs' heads were left in a local park.
Mark Gibbons, an Independent Councillor on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, described the display as 'disturbing and disgusting'.
The council has said it is aware of the incident and is in contact with the PSNI, who revealed they are 'keeping an open mind' over the matter.
The grim sight was discovered in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor on Saturday morning.
Two pigs' heads, one impaled on a stick, were positioned either side of a red spray-painted sign reading 'Here piggy piggy'.
Responding to the incident, Cllr Gibbons condemned those behind the display in the scenic park, which is popular with families and campers and is home to the Narnia Trail tourist attraction.
"Leaving real pigs' heads in Kilbroney Park is vile, sickening and utterly disgraceful," he posted on social media.
"Halloween is no excuse for such a revolting act. This is a public space used by families and children. Whoever is responsible should be ashamed.
"I won't be sharing the disturbing image. Such a disgusting and disturbing thing to do. Imagine a child seeing this?
"All has been reported and being removed."
In a subsequent update, Cllr Gibbons revealed he had since had to remove racist comments from his post, writing: "Unfortunately I have had to delete, ban and block a number of race hate-filled comments from this post. So very sad."
In a statement, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said it was aware of the incident and was 'working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and relevant partners'.
The PSNI has confirmed it is investigating 'following the discovery of two pig heads in a park in the Shore Road area of Rostrevor'.
"The items have been removed and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident," added a statement.
"Officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind this report, and are considering all potential lines of enquiry.
"We also continue to liaise with the local council."
Anyone with information or who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 326 of October 31.