Ms Egan has said: “There is absolutely no place in our society for racism and intimidation, and I’m disgusted to see our area being vandalised with these kinds of slogans, particularly following the appalling events of the last few days.

“Those who go out to deliberately stoke tension and inflame division in our area with this kind of harmful rhetoric do not represent the vast majority of residents here, and we simply cannot tolerate it.

“I have been in contact with the PSNI and the NI Housing Executive requesting that this graffiti is removed and investigated urgently.”

Mr Muir added: “Bangor belongs to everyone who calls it their home, and these sinister developments do not reflect the people and place I am proud to represent.

“Racism and xenophobia are a scourge on our society we must face them down with robust political leadership. Alliance condemns these reprehensible actions unequivocally, and we’d encourage anyone with information on those involved to contact the police or Crimestoppers without delay."