Vandals target memorial to Warren Point soldiers

A memorial to 18 soldiers killed 25 years ago by the IRA was vandalised today – just two days after being unveiled.

The memorial at Narrow Water outside Warren Point, Co Down, was dedicated at a service of remembrance on Friday, the 25th anniversary of the double bomb attack in which the soldiers and one civilian died.

It has been daubed with graffiti, and the wreaths which had been lain around it have been scattered about.

Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member Danny Kennedy said Unionists were “sickened and appalled” at the desecration.

The PSNI said the vandalism had been reported to them at around 7am and they were investigating.

Mr Kennedy said wreaths and crosses at the memorial were discovered strewn about the area and there was graffiti calling for ’Brits Out!’

“We thought that the local population would respect the laying of wreaths and remembrance of the dead.”

Mr Kennedy said it was just the latest attack on the unionist community in recent days and there was concern and anger amongst the unionist population.

“Even after ten years of ceasefire, it seems there are those among the republican community who are not prepared to give unionists any space in this area,” said Mr Kennedy.

Yesterday, an Orange Hall outside nearby Newry was completely destroyed in a fire which is believed to have been started deliberately.

People were “almost at a state of despair", said Mr Kennedy following the two attacks.

They were preceded last week by the vandalising of a republican memorial to IRA dead. The latest attacks were thought to be retaliation by republicans.