Homophobic hate crime probe after Pride flags removed from lamp posts in Newry

It happened ahead of the city’s Pride celebration on Saturday

Police in Newry are investigating the removal of numerous Pride Flags from lamp posts in the city ahead of an event on Saturday.

The flags had been on display on Hill Street in Newry for the city’s Pride celebration. But officers say the flags were reportedly removed between 10pm on Friday night and 7am on Saturday. They are treating as a homophobic hate crime.

Posting on social media, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police in Newry are investigating a report of numerous Pride Flags which were removed from lamp posts on Hill Street, Newry between 10pm Friday 29th August and 7am Saturday 30th August 2025.

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“These flags were placed for the Pride Celebration in Newry on Saturday 30th August 2025. This matter is being treated as a Homophobic Hate Crime.

“If anyone witnessed anyone removing the flags or has any CCTV footage of this incident please contact Ardmore Local Policing Team on 101 quoting reference 394 30/08/25.”

It’s understood that a similar incident took place on Thursday night.

Organisers of Pride in Newry also appealed for help to catch those responsible. Posting on Facebook, the group said: “Heartbreaking” to see most of our flags have been ripped down but we’ll do everything we can to get things colourful again for the weekend.”

They added: “If any businesses on Hill Street have CCV can they get in touch. The flags were stolen again last night there. We had loads up so they were there a while whoever it was. We’ll get more and we’ll get them back up again. They won’t dull our day. Happy Pride Newry!”

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