People Before Profit has condemned "violent threats" against activists in West Belfast.
A spokesperson for the party reported that a gang of "masked men" approached activists as they erected posters for Court DEA candidate Cailín McCaffery on Lanark Way on Friday afternoon.
The assailants allegedly snatched election posters and a set of ladders, and the PBP activists were "verbally and physically threatened".
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A spokesperson said: “People Before Profit is outraged at this intimidation of committed activists and expresses solidarity with our members.
“The Shankill and working class communities like it have been devastated by austerity, underfunding, and inequality. The politics of division offers no solutions to this.
"We need an alternative class politics that rejects sectarian division and uplifts all working people. People Before Profit will continue to fight alongside the people of the Shankill against the economic system ravaging our communities."
The spokesperson continued: "People Before Profit stands in the socialist tradition that looks to unite working class communities whether Protestant, Catholic, or other. It is a tradition that is rooted in the anti-sectarian, class politics that has a long and proud history in Belfast.
"Workers across the communal divide have shown incredible unity by taking to the picket lines in recent months and fighting for fair pay and investment in public services. We would call on those workers to reject sectarian thuggery and to reject the politics of division.
"No quarter of this city is off limits for socialists - we are going nowhere. We call on working class people to send a message of unity on May 18th by striking back at the ballot box. Strike back against sectarianism. Strike back with People Before Profit.”
People Before Profit rep Cailín McCaffery added: “This was a deplorable attack, carried out by a minority of sectarian thugs. Those responsible do not represent the people of the Shankill or any other part of our city.
“People Before Profit is contesting the upcoming election to provide an anti-sectarian, working class alternative to the failed politics of the past. We will not be bowed by bigots, by bullies, or by anyone who wants to divide our communities.”
Chief Inspector Allister Hagan, Area Commander, said: “Having been made aware of a social media post regarding an incident on Lanark Way last Friday we have made contact with the party representatives and are examining CCTV footage covering this area as part of our enquiries.
"The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to doing everything we can to ensure all candidates can participate fully in the forthcoming Northern Ireland council election free from harassment, intimidation and other forms of criminality.
"I would encourage anyone with issues or concerns to contact us directly on 101.”
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