Police have launched an investigation after pig heads were discovered in a public park in County Down, prompting strong condemnation from local figures. The heads, including one reportedly impaled on a wooden stick, were found in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor early on Saturday morning, accompanied by a sign reading “here piggy piggy”.
Investigation underway
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed it is investigating the incident, which one local councillor described as “disgusting and sick”. The force said it is keeping an open mind as to the motivation, with all potential lines of enquiry being considered.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council confirmed it was aware of the incident and was in touch with the police and other authorities.
Community reaction
Some in the community have suggested it could have been a prank, as the appearance of the pig heads coincided with Halloween. A local resident called Jack saw the heads as he took his dog for an early morning walk through the park, and said that whether it was a Halloween prank or not, it had “crossed the line from harmless fun to something disgusting”.
Speaking to the BBC, Jack added: “There's absolutely no need for this in a public park. It's disturbing, unhygienic and shows a complete lack of consideration for everyone else using the space.” He said the park is “very busy” at the weekend and had been due to host some Halloween activities for local children.
Councillor's warning
Independent councillor Mark Gibbons told the BBC many locals have been left “horrified” and that he is “completely shocked”. The Crotlieve councillor said it was “absolutely disgusting and sick” that somebody would go to “great lengths” to display the pig heads, especially when young families would be enjoying Halloween.
He suggested it was unlikely children would have been behind the incident due to the “huge big stake posts” put in the ground and the pig heads, which were also sizeable. Mr Gibbons said if the incident was indeed a prank, it had been taken “too far”.
In a warning to the culprits, he added: “If they think this is some kind of joke that they're enjoying, then they may think again because it's been very disturbing for a lot of people.”
