Write a commentAn overnight incident at the Kingsmill Memorial, Kingsmill, Bessbrook which remembers the ten workmen shot dead by the IRA in 1976, has been branded a sectarian motivated hate crime by the PSNI.
A flower pot at the memorial was damage and a tricolour was nailed to the memorial.
Police are appealing for information about the incident which they discoveredl early this morning, Monday 30 July.
They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who noticed any unusual activity in the area to contact police at Newtownhamilton Police Station on 101 quoting reference 246 30/07/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor, David Taylor commented on the incident “I am truly appalled by this sickening attack on the Kingsmill Memorial. The Kingsmill families have suffered enough anguish and pain over the last 42 years and it is clear that the perpetrators of this heinous crime have sought to further compound their heartache by carrying out such an action.
“It is truly horrifying that an incident so sinister in nature has taken place at the Kingsmill Memorial. Unfortunately, however, this is not the first time that an attack has taken place at the site.
“My thoughts first and foremost are with the Kingsmill families who are understandably very distressed at this attack on the memorial. They should not have to contend with such despicable behaviour from those with a very obviously cruel and sectarian mind-set.
“I would appeal to anyone with information to report it to the Police. There is no possible defence or justification for this. The individuals who perpetrated this shocking crime must be brought to justice.”
Newry and Armagh MLA, Megan Fearon also condemned those responsible and said it was designed to hurt families of the victims “The Kingsmill monument was vandalised overnight and a national flag erected on it.
“This was a despicable act designed to hurt the families of the victims.
“And those who placed a national flag on the Kingsmill monument clearly have no respect for the meaning of that flag which is about peace and harmony between the main traditions on this island.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for desecrations of monuments which commemorate those who died during the conflict.
“Monuments and memorials are important places in communities and should be respected.
“I would encourage anyone with any information about who was responsible for this disgraceful act to contact the PSNI.”
MLA Justin McNulty, added “It is totally reprehensible that in 2018 thugs vandalised the memorial of the Kingsmill massacre.
“These perpetrators will not succeed in the dragging us back to the past. This was not only an attack on a memorial, but on the bereaved families of the victims.
“The nailing of the tricolour to the memorial shows how little respect they have for their own national flag.”
