Anger has been expressed over the vandalism of a memorial to a popular Cookstown man who passed away four years ago.
Raymond Gates was a well-known figure in the Co Tyrone town who would wave to cars near the Dungannon Road roundabout. He sadly passed away in 2018.
A memorial bike was installed at the spot near the roundabout where Raymond used to stand. However it was damaged by an act of vandalism this week.
READ MORE: Man's body found in Florida confirmed as Co Tyrone man John McNamee, family say
While the memorial has now been repaired, local councillors have said the whole community has been angered by the incident.
Local UUP councillor for the area Trevor Wilson says there has been anger from local residents after hearing that the memorial was damaged. He described it as a 'senseless act'.
"Raymond was well known within the area and stood at Kings bridge regularly waving to passing motorists," Cllr Wilson said.
"This memorial was a fitting tribute to him. It was completely inoffensive and clearly those responsible have no regard for anyone or anything except their own basic disrespectful and immoral behaviour.
"Perhaps they should reflect on how they would feel if others treated them or their family in such a way. I appeal to anyone who has any information to contact the PSNI.”
SDLP councillor Kerri Hughes said Mr Gates was a 'gentleman' who brought nothing but joy to those in the town.
“I was so disappointed to see the damage which was done to Raymond Gates’ memorial overnight," Cllr Hughes said.
"Mr Gates was a gentleman who brought nothing but joy to people passing through Cookstown including my own school bus for many years. I am glad to see that his memorial has been fixed promptly and put back in place where it belongs."
The PSNI have asked for anyone with any information about the ac of vandalism to come forward. In a social media post, Police Mid Ulster said: "The man in the picture below is Raymond Gates. Mr Gates was well known in the Cookstown Community for his friendliness & caring demeanour.
"The next picture is a memorial dedicated to him. This was placed just outside the Otter Lodge in Cookstown. The community came together to raise money for the memorial. Unfortunately, the third picture is the bicycle after it was vandalised.
"We are appealing for information regarding this incident and ask that any person who witnessed this occur or has any information regarding the matter contact Police on 101 quoting incident number 359 of 13/07/22. "
READ NEXT:
Northern Ireland mum's tribute to son who died in swimming pool incident on holiday
Coalisland community stunned after sudden death of supermarket worker
NI dad’s warning after family home destroyed in house fire started by phone charger
Arrest after man 'head butts police' following Strabane hit and run
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
