Police investigating 'hate-filled' letter using councillor's name

Police are investigating a letter containing sectarian and Islamophobic messaging, which a councillor said has "nothing whatsoever" to do with him.

The letter makes reference to Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor Alan Lewis and asks members of the community in Clough, County Down, to contact him.

Lewis described the letter as "anonymous and threatening" and "designed to intimidate".

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the letter is being circulated on social media and it is being treated as a sectarian and Islamophobic hate crime.

In a statement, Lewis said threats and intimidation had no place in a democracy.

"It has been brought to my attention that an anonymous and threatening letter circulating in Clough and Seaforde, delivered to some households, which is designed to intimidate, makes reference to me and asks members of the local community to contact me," he said.

"I wish to make clear that this correspondence has nothing whatsoever to do with me and I was unaware of its circulation until it was brought to my attention.

"I totally reject its contents and make clear my rejection of it.

"I have referred this matter to the PSNI.

"Threats and intimidation can play no part in the democratic process.

"As a local councillor I am always available to work for all my constituents and to help everyone with the issues of concern to them.

"Anyone with information on those responsible should contact the PSNI."

Sinn Féin MLA for South Down, Cathy Mason, said the letters were hate-filled, disgusting and had no place in society.

She urged anyone who had received one to contact the police.