Police say attack on Irish language sign was a ‘hate crime’

POLICE are appealing for information and witnesses following a number of incidents of criminal damage to dual-language street signs in Cookstown and Dungannon.

Previously, signs in the Killymoon Street area of Cookstown were reported to have been defaced with paint.

Chief Inspector Ryan McConville said: “We have received reports that signs in the Mullaghbane Road and Cullenramer Road areas of Dungannon and the Derrygonigan Road and Mawillan Road areas of Cookstown have been damaged recently.

“These acts of criminal damage are being investigated as sectarian hate crimes. We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in any of the listed areas, or who may have relevant CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, to get in touch with police.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 488 of 22/08/25. Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”