16/02/2015

IRA Victims' Memorial Garden Attacked

A memorial garden in east Belfast for two men murdered by the IRA has been vandalised.

The garden was erected in memory of Jimmy McCurrie and Bobby Neill, who were killed in 1970. It is situated on the Lower Newtownards Road, close to the Short Strand interface.

It is reported that flower pots were smashed, poppy wreaths damaged and a union flag stolen in the overnight attack.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Sonia Copeland said: "What sickens me most this morning is this is not the first time that I have woken up to news that this memorial garden has been attacked overnight. This only succeeds in causing distress to the families.

"This attack demonstrates the lack of tolerance from bigoted elements sadly still present in our society. Someone knows who these people are, I hope that they do the right thing and contact the PSNI so that those responsible for this vile attack face the consequences of their actions."

(IT/MH)

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