Poppy wreaths removed from Crumlin War Memorial
Local representatives have expressed their outrage
Ulster Unionist Party Representative for Airport DEA, Ryan Kirkpatrick, has expressed his shock and frustration following the removal of poppy wreaths from the Crumlin War Memorial.
The incident occurred overnight within 24 hours of the remembrance service, and saw individuals gain entry to the memorial site, steal the wreaths and scatter them across the village. Local residents who discovered the damaged and discarded wreaths have collected and returned a number of them to the local community centre, although several remain unaccounted for.
Neighbourhood Police were scheduled to attend the scene and will be engaging with the organisers of the remembrance event.
Following engagement with the Friends of Crumlin War Memorial, Ryan Kirkpatrick said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by this disgraceful act of disrespect. To target a war memorial within 24 hours of a service of remembrance is appalling.
"Remembrance is not political. It is fundamentally about remembering and paying tribute to those from all backgrounds who served and gave their lives for our freedoms and our way of life. The sheer lack of respect shown by those responsible is incredibly disappointing.
"I want to pay tribute to the community members who took the initiative to gather up the scattered wreaths and bring them to safety. I am actively engaging with the Friends of Crumlin War Memorial and the PSNI, and I would urge anyone with any information or CCTV footage from the area last night to contact the police."
Rodney Mairs from Friends of Crumlin War Memorial added: "We are very disappointed to discover this wanton act. I know that the people of Crumlin do not support this disrespectful behaviour.”