Memorial To Soldiers Vandalised In Warrenpoint

A memorial to soldiers killed by the IRA has been vandalised in Warrenpoint, Co Down.

18 soldiers were murdered by two IRA bombs on 27 August 1979.

Floral tributes commemorating the Narrow Water massacre were damaged, according to the police.

Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor said he was "disgusted".

He said: "These attacks never stop. It is just endless. The people that commit these crimes are full of hate. Given the events of this week when we have seen terrorists bring death and destruction to the people of Manchester, it is appalling that there are still people in Northern Ireland who have learnt nothing from our past and are so full of hatred that they want to destroy memorials to the victims of terrorism from Northern Ireland's Troubles."

Sinn Fein MLA Chris Hazzard also condemned the attack.

He said: "The desecration and vandalism of poppies and floral tributes at the memorial in Narrow Water is wrong and I condemn it.

"Everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect, as enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement.

"There can be no place for vandalism attacks on monuments, memorials and other places where people remember their dead."

(CD)