Poppy wreath arson treated as sectarian hate crime

A POPPY wreath at a Co Tyrone cenotaph has been set alight by a group of youths.

The monument on the Dublin Road in Omagh was targeted by several male teenagers shortly after 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Police indicated they were treating the arson attack as a sectarian hate crime.

A councillor for the area said that a passer- by spotted the group and shouted at them to stop, but they ran off after setting one of the wreaths on fire.

DUP councillor Errol Thompson added that another local resident ran to the cenotaph and extinguished the fire before it spread any further.

“There was the potential for it to spread to the other wreaths,” he explained.

“There were several of them (youths) around the cenotaph. I know that someone spotted them and shouted at them, but they ran off.

“We had a service at that cenotaph a few weeks ago where we had people from right across the board in Omagh and from the surrounding areas.

“This is the second time within three years that this action has been carried out by thugs who seem intent on rising tensions within the community.

“The first (incident was) in September 2013, when a wreath was burnt and scorch damage caused to the cenotaph.

“People should really read their history and (look up what) the cenotaphs and war memorials are actually about and show some respect. This is a very insensitive action.”

Sinn Fein’s Declan McAleer also condemned the attack on the poppy wreath.

The West Tyrone MLA said: “This incident where wreaths at the war memorial in Omagh were damaged was wrong and I condemn it.

“There is no place for attacks like in our society.

“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.”

Police appealed for information following the attack.

Chief Inspector Derek Scott said: “Shortly after 8.30pm, police received a report that a num- ber of teenage male youths were attempting to set fire to poppy wreaths on the cenotaph on Dublin Road.

“Police attended and it was discovered that one wreath had been burned. This is being treated as a sectarian hate crime.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who can provide information as to the identities of the youths involved to contact police in Omagh on 101.

“Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”