Write a commentA memorial to soldiers killed in an IRA attack at Warrenpoint has once again been vandalised, with police appealing for witnesses or from anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area yesterday to come forward. Wreaths were ripped from the fence they were fixed to and thrown about the hard shoulder. Eighteen soldiers died in the attack in 1979.
The attack took place around 5pm yesterday, Saturday 15 September on the Warrenpoint dual carriageway. Alegations that individuals returning from a Cliftonville v Warrenpoint match were responsible has led to club Chairman Gerard Lawlor commenting: “I totally condemn any act of desecration. We live in a sad society where anyone would get a kick out of desecrating a memorial. If anyone connected with our Club has any information about the incident then they should report it to the PSNI. This pathetic act isn’t in my name nor that of Cliftonville Football Club.”
Chief Inspector Gerry McGrath said: “We received a report of this incident at around 5.20pm and we are currently treating it as a hate crime. Anyone who witnessed what happened or was travelling on the Warrenpoint road between 5.00pm and 5.15pm and has dashcam/ helmet footage should contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1012 of 15/9/18.
"Following the incident a bus was stopped around 6pm in the Lisburn area and a number of passengers spoken to. The vehicle was then retained by police as part of their ongoing investigation."
Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor David Taylor speaking of the attackers added “Their attack on this memorial is deplorable. They have vandalised poppy wreaths and destroyed messages left in memory of those who were murdered at Narrow Water. These so called football fans are the lowest of the low and are intent on causing more pain for the families of the victims. They are vile and disgusting individuals who have brought shame on the football club which they claim to support. They must not be allowed to get away with this."
South Down MLA Sinead Ennis has condemned the vandalism and apealed for anyone with information to contact the PSNI. "This is the second time in recent months that the wreaths at Narrow Water in Warrenpoint have been vandalised.
"There is no place for attacks like in our society and I condemn this act outright.
"Monuments and memorials are important places in communities and should be respected."
