Officers are keeping an open mind about the motive after the discovery at Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor, with local representatives condemning the act
Police in Northern Ireland are investigating after severed pigs’ heads were found in a public park in County Down on Saturday morning. The heads were discovered in the early hours at Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor, and one was reportedly impaled on a wooden stake. Reports say a sign reading “here piggy piggy” was left with them. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is exploring all lines of inquiry and has not ruled anything out, while a local councillor called the display “disgusting and sick”.
What was found
A resident called Jack came across the heads while walking his dog. He told the BBC that, whether it was a Halloween prank or not, it had “crossed the line from harmless fun to something disgusting”. He said: “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.” He said the park is very busy at weekends and had been due to host Halloween activities for local children. No official statement has confirmed whether those activities were affected.
Reports use the plural but do not give a firm number of heads. The Journal reported later on Saturday that the remains had been taken away. Police have not said who removed them or whether they were examined first.
Reaction
Independent councillor Mark Gibbons, who represents the Crotlieve area, told the BBC residents were “horrified” and that he was “completely shocked”. He said it was “absolutely disgusting and sick” that someone would go to “great lengths” to put the heads on display, particularly with young families out for Halloween. He thought it unlikely that children were responsible, pointing to the “huge big stake posts” driven into the ground and the size of the heads. “If it was a prank, it was taken too far,” he said, adding: “Halloween is no excuse for such a revolting act.” He told The Journal the heads were real, not decorations, and told BBC News NI he hoped CCTV in the surrounding area would help identify those responsible. There is no confirmation that police have obtained any footage.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said it was aware of the incident and was working with police and other authorities.
Police appeal
The PSNI has asked anyone who saw suspicious activity to call 101, quoting reference 326 of 31/10/26, or to report online. The Journal reported that police remain in contact with the council. No arrests, suspects or charges have been announced. Police have not said what offences are being considered, or whether the incident is being treated as a hate crime, animal welfare or public order matter. They have not said where the animal remains came from.
About the park
Kilbroney Park covers about 97 acres overlooking Carlingford Lough, according to the council’s tourism service. It has two children’s play areas, football pitches, tennis courts, picnic and barbecue areas and walking trails including the Narnia Trail. The caravan park on the site remained open through Saturday and is due to close for the season at 1pm on Sunday, though there is no suggestion any visitors saw the display.
