Dead pig with Merkel's name found at mosque site

Police say a dead pig with Chancellor Angela Merkel's name daubed on it has been found at a construction site where a mosque is being built in the eastern German city of Leipzig.

The animal's corpse had the words "Mutti Merkel" written on it in red letters. "Mutti," or "mom," has become a common nickname for the German leader over the years.

Police spokesman Uwe Voigt said that "in view of the circumstances it appears likely that this is a xenophobic act," news agency dpa reported. Authorities were investigating.

Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung condemned the incident.

In a 2013 incident after plans for the mosque became known, pigs' heads were found at the same site. Police say no perpetrator has ever been found.