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One of the boys wearing a balaclava at Carnagat Area Community Centre on Friday
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A man dressed as a policeman and the boy wearing the balaclava while posing with fake guns
A row has erupted after photos of kids wearing balaclavas and posing with fake guns in Newry emerged.
The images, which were posted on a social media website, also show another young boy posing with the teenager.
A man dressed as a US policeman is also seen in the photos posing with a fake gun.
Young children can be seen in the background enjoying the party and looking on.
A man attended the party with his children, brought the images to the attention of the Sunday World, saying he found the photos "extremely concerning."
UUP MLA Danny Kennedy said: "I think the wider concern would be children being encouraged to partake in behaviour of this nature, dressing up in paraphernalia that they themselves do not fully understand."
He added: "It's a very negative influence on their young lives and very unhelpful on their personal development."
However, the community association has argued that the costumes were "taken out of context",
A spokesperson for the group said: "We had no anti-social behaviour or bonfires in the area and we feel this is a reflection of the busy great week of activities that was provided by ourselves for the community.
"We have learned that someone has contacted the media in connection with a costume worn by a child at a party," they said.
"We, the community association, are looking into the matter."
SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley said: "Parents should exercise caution in their choice of costumes on such occasions.
"The Carnagat Community Association are very active in the area and provide an excellent service to the community through the activities in the community house.
"My understanding is that there is nothing sinister involved in the activities on Halloween night."
