The distraught family of a Protestant teenager killed in north Belfast last year, have today condemned graffiti taunting them about his death, as "pure evil".
Thomas McDonald (16) died on September 4th last year at the Whitewell Road interface when he was knocked off his bicycle by a car. A Catholic woman has been charged with the youth's murder.
Mr Thomas McDonald senior, said they had been trying to rebuild their lives, but the graffiti was bringing back the horror of his son's death.
"It is just knocking us back. We are trying to get on with things but we are getting it thrown in our faces. The kids are even being taunted going to school."
According to local people, the graffiti has been appearing with increasing frequency since a short memorial service was held on the first anniversary of his death.
Police today painted out the latest offending messages and told the family they had received assurances that it would not re-appear.
Mr McDonald called on those responsible to stop. He said: "There are so many sick people. This is ripping my wife apart. When she's going to the shop she sees something written about Thomas."
North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds branded those responsible for the graffiti as "sick and depraved beyond words". He said: "I am glad that the offensive and crude sectarian graffiti has now been removed.
"The family were naturally very upset at a time of great sensitivity and grief when they are remembering the death of their young boy.
"Those responsible are sick beyond words and I would appeal to anyone who can put a stop to this to use their influence to do so," he added.
PA