LISTEN - KKK incident in Newtownards treated as hate crime

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by Q Radio News

Police have confirmed they're treating an incident in Newtownards at the weekend as a hate crime. 

A group of around eight people were pictured dressed as Ku Klux Klan members outside an Islamic Centre in the town. 

It happened on Greenwell Street sometime on Saturday night. 

The images taken outside the centre have also been circulating social media and have sparked shock and outrage.

Noami Green from the Belfast Islamic Centre says it's "intimidating" for people who are Muslim and living in Northern Ireland: 

Local MLA, Kellie Armstrong has described it as "worrying" and "despicable" and says it shows religious intolerance: 

In August 2017, a pig's head was left at the same Islamic Centre's door and graffiti was painted on the building.

PSNI Inspector Richard Murray said, "Our enquiries are ongoing and we are treating this as a hate incident at this time. 

"Hate crime, in all its forms, is totally unacceptable. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that we live in a society where diversity is respected." 

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