Police are investigating after real pig heads were discovered in a public park in Northern Ireland in a “disturbing and disgusting” display.

One pig’s head was driven onto a wooden steak and another was left on the ground, along with a sign with the words “here piggy piggy” spray painted in red.

Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed it is investigating the incident in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor, County Down, after the heads appeared on Saturday morning. Officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation.

Independent councillor for the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Mark Gibbons, has condemned the “disturbing and disgusting” incident.

“Leaving real pigs’ heads in Kilbroney Park is vile, sickening and utterly disgraceful,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Halloween is no excuse for such a revolting act. This is a public space used by families and children. Whoever is responsible should be ashamed.”

He said he will not be sharing a “disturbing” image of the discovery, adding: “Such a disgusting and disturbing thing to do. Imagine a child seeing this?”

Families were urged to stay away from the area in a social media post on Saturday, which alerted park users to the “deeply disturbing display”.

The warning on Friends of the Meadow & Kilbroney Forest Park, Rostrevor, added: “We ask members of the public, particularly families with children and those walking dogs, to please avoid the area for the time being to allow the relevant authorities to deal with the situation.

“Friends of the Meadow unequivocally condemns this behaviour. Our meadow is a shared community space, enjoyed by people of all ages, and such disturbing and unacceptable actions have no place here in Rostrevor.”

One dog walker told the BBC of his shock, adding: “This is a public space used daily by families, young children and people walking their dogs. Whatever the intention behind it, leaving animal remains on display like this is completely unacceptable.”

He said whether it was a Halloween prank or not, “it's crossed the line from harmless fun to something disgusting”.

“There's absolutely no need for this in a public park,” he added. “It's disturbing, unhygienic and shows a complete lack of consideration for everyone else using the space.”

A spokesperson for PSNI confirmed the force has launched a probe and appealed for anyone with information to come forward, adding: “The items have been removed and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind this report, and are considering all potential lines of enquiry. We also continue to liaise with the local council.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 326 31/10/26, or report online at: https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals