There has been widespread condemnation of the latest vandalism attack on a war memorial in a Co Tyrone town.
The war memorial in the Square of the Moy has been vandalised on several occasions in recent months. Three men were arrested and charged with criminal damage in relation to an incident in the town earlier this month.
After another incident involving the memorial on Sunday night past, Ferm anagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine said public representatives in the area should be doing more to call out the attacks.
READ MORE: Investigation after man found with slash wounds in Strabane
The DUP MLA called on local nationalist representatives to show ‘leadership’ by condemning the recent spate of vandalism at the memorial.
Erskine said: “I am calling on public representatives and those in the community to show leadership regarding the attacks of criminal damage that continue to occur in the town of Moy. Since the last incident of criminal damage, I have not heard condemnation from nationalist and republican leaders condemning the incidents.”
“Wreaths are being destroyed on a regular basis and indeed there have also been reports of people urinating against the war memorial. I would remind everyone that the names of those inscribed on the War Memorial fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“People from all sections of our community went to war for our civil and religious freedoms and we owe a debt of gratitude to them. I am dismayed that criminal damage has been allowed to continue in the community, without strong cross-party condemnation.
"The incidents have been nothing short of disgraceful, of which the local Royal British Legion have had to pick up the pieces after the reckless actions of some individuals.”
Responding to Erskine’s comments, Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew condemned the attacks "outright" and said there was "no place" for them in our society.
Mr Gildernew added: "There is no place for attacks like this in our society and I condemn this act outright.
"Monuments and memorials are important places in communities and should be respected. I would encourage anyone with information on this incident to contact the PSNI."
READ NEXT:
-
Popular NI bakery shuts up shop as rising costs ‘cripple’ business
-
Damian Casey's funeral remembers an inspirational leader' and 'absolute gentleman'
-
Strabane retail staff put through weeks of ‘hell’ as jobs under threat
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
