PSNI treating stolen wreaths from The Cenotaph in Londonderry as sectarian hate crime
It happened in The Diamond area of Derry on last night
Police are treating four stolen wreaths at The Cenotaph in Londonderry as a sectarian hate crime.
It happened in The Diamond area of Derry last night.
A PSNI statement said ‘from enquiries so far, it’s believed this occurred sometime between 10.50pm and 11pm last night. A male suspect was seen running towards Butcher Street.
‘This is being investigated as a sectarian hate crime, and police appeal to anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 1931 of 01/07/26.’
The Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has appealed for stolen wreaths to be returned to Derry’s Cenotaph.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: “The Cenotaph at the heart of our city contains the names of people from all over Derry who lost their lives in the first world war. It’s really disheartening that following the Battle of the Somme Commemoration that someone has seen fit to remove these wreaths, causing great upset to members of our community.
“I would urge whoever did this to return the wreaths immediately. Respect costs nothing and our city has always led the way when it comes to accommodating different traditions and showing that we can live together peacefully.
“As we approach the summer months, I would urge young people not to get caught up in tit-for-tat sectarian or anti-social behaviour and appeal to parents to ensure their children do not get involved in any disorder. There is so much to be positive about in Derry at the minute and the last thing we want is for incidents like this to create unnecessary tension or hold us back.”
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