Police probe report of abuse directed at Sinn Féin canvassers in Lisburn

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Police are probing a report that a number of Sinn Féin canvassers were subjected to abuse in Lisburn.

It comes as the Irish republican party is attempting to see its first MLA returned in the Lagan Valley constituency.

Sinn Féin councillor Declan Lynch, who will run as a candidate in next year’s NI Assembly election, said sectarian abuse was directed at members of his family and party activists in the city on Saturday during a canvass and leaflet drop.

“A handful of men gathered at the filling station near the entrance to Thaxton and subjected my mother and my wife, who was holding our young child, to sectarian abuse,” he said, adding that he and West Belfast MLA Danny Baker were also subjected to abuse.

“It is disgusting that, in 2026, a small group of men saw fit to spend their Saturday morning abusing two women, as well as other activists, who were out working to improve people’s lives.

“This matter has been reported to the police.”

A police spokesperson said they are investigating the report.

“Police received a report today shortly after 1pm of an incident which occurred in the Lady Wallace Lane area of Lisburn, this morning, Saturday, 27th June,” they said.

“It has been reported as hate-related anti-social behaviour and enquiries are currently ongoing to establish the circumstances.”