The vandalism of posters for schoolboy Noah Donohoe has been condemned as "beyond sickening".
It is understood the teenager's face was removed from posters in at least two locations.
His mother Fiona and politicians have condemned those responsible.
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The 14-year-old pupil at St Malachy’s College, in Belfast, was found dead in a storm drain in the north of the city in June 2020, six days after he went missing.
His mother Fiona is hoping to secure answers to some of the questions surrounding his death through the ongoing inquest process.
She has raised concerns around a number of folders of sensitive police material.
The material is currently being prepared for potential public interest immunity (PII) certification, which may see some sections being redacted.
Taking Twitter on Sunday, his mum Fiona said: "My baby does not deserve this. Beautiful Noah was one of the most giving and loving souls. To get a ladder and then cut his face out. Is abhorrent..I have never used these kind of words in my life...Words like 'horrific'. Noah went missing. These words are normal now."
Politicians including SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, deputy Nichola Mallon and the Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie all took to social media on Sunday to condemn the vandalism.
Mr Eastwood said: "Vandalising Noah Donohoe posters is utterly sickening and a new low in this election. It needs to stop."
Ms Mallon added: "The vandalism of the Noah Donohoe posters is beyond sickening and to be totally condemned by everyone with any decency."
Mr Beattie tweeted: "I don’t know who, I don’t know why, I just know this is utterly unfathomable, pointless and hurtful. Just stop."
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