Police are investigating how pro-Russian graffiti came to be daubed on a Game of Thrones filming location.
The “Z glory to Russia” graffiti, referring to the symbol Z painted on Russian tanks during the Ukraine invasion, appeared on the road at the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim.
The tree-lined route became world famous when it was featured in the HBO fantasy series and now attracts significant numbers of tourists.
The incident comes as a number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of their country have started to arrive in Northern Ireland.
DUP North Antrim Assembly Candidate Mervyn Storey said the sentiment of the graffiti is completely at odds with the welcome that arriving Ukrainian refugees have received to the area.
“This is a wanton act of vandalism at one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic locations,” he said.
“It is completely at odds with the warm welcome our local community provides to tourists from all over the world who come to see what the Dark Hedges and the North Coast have to offer.”
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Mr Storey said he has recently been able to welcome refugees from Ukraine into his church community.
“It is despicable that they should have to encounter this type of behaviour glorifying Russia’s oppressive campaign of terror in their homeland. Our support must be with the people of Ukraine,” he said.
“I will be working closely with local authorities and the PSNI to ensure this graffiti is removed immediately and those responsible held to account.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland have been contacted for a response.
