POLICE in Derry have launched an investigation after a snowman holding an RPG-7 rocket launcher was painted on the window of a republican prisoner’s support group office in the city.
The image on the window includes the message: “Wishing you an Explosive Christmas.”
It appeared at the office of the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association, a body that supports republican inmates and their families.
A former mayor of erry described it as “threatening and sinister”.
The building – Junior McDaid House – is on Chamberlain Street and also houses the youth organisation Eistigi Doire as well as the dissident republican party Saoradh.
Local |DUP councillor Drew Thompson said many people in the city would find the painting offensive.
“It sends out a message to all communities, not just to unionists, that there are those within the city who are intent in causing destruction over the festive period,” he said.
Mr Thompson added that Christmas was a time largely associated with ceasefires during the Troubles.
“The intent here is certainly not in keeping with the season of peace and good will – it suggests that violence remains on the agenda.”
Mr Thompson contacted the PSNI to ask if the display was legal.
Derry police commander Supt Gordon McCalmont said he recognised “the hurt and offence caused by this window display”.
“We are currently investigating and assessing the matter,” he said.