'Absolutely disgusting and sick': Police investigate pigs' heads in public park

An incident where pig heads were put in a public park early on Saturday morning has been described as "disgusting and sick" by a local councillor.

The heads, including one impaled on a wooden stick, appeared in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor, County Down, accompanied by a sign that said "here piggy piggy".

Independent councillor Mark Gibbons said it was "absolutely disgusting and sick" that somebody would go to "great lengths" to do this, especially on a weekend where young families would be enjoying the Halloween break.

The PSNI confirmed they are investigating the incident and are keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind this report and considering all potential lines of enquiry.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said they were aware of the incident and are working with the PSNI and relevant partners.

"It is just awful for this to be done in a public park and a lot of people are horrified," Gibbons said.

"I'm just completely shocked by it."

The Crotlieve councillor added that he does not think it was children who would have done this because of "the huge big stake posts" that were driven into the ground. He added that the pigs heads were quite large.

"It's very sinister, very disturbing and hopefully there will be CCTV cameras being looked at through the village...and hopefully they're caught."

Gibbons had this stern message for the culprits:

"Just why on earth would you do this? If it was a prank, you've taken it too far, people need to take a good look at themselves.

"It's just horrific prank that would have scared the life out of children and people passing...and 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."

He added he hoped no children saw it and if they did, he hoped they would be convinced by parents that the heads were fake.

"It's just vile."

One resident, called Jack was walking his dog early on Saturday and was shocked at the sight.

"It's a very extreme attempt at a prank in a public space which is very busy at weekends with families, the Parkrun, and the couple of planned Halloween activities in the village for kids today," he said.

"This is a public space used daily by families, young children and people walking their dogs. Whatever the intention behind it, leaving animal remains on display like this is completely unacceptable."

He added whether it was Halloween prank or not, "it's crossed the line from harmless fun to something disgusting".

"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."