Narrow Water Memorial Vandalised

A memorial dedicated to British soldiers who died in an IRA ambush in 1979 has been targeted by vandals.

Poppy wreaths at Narrow Water outside Warrenpoint in County Down were ripped up in the latest attack.

The damage was discovered on Sunday 02 June after the overnight attack. Writing on Facebook, a spokesperson for the memorial said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you all once again that poppy wreaths, crosses and floral tributes have been destroyed at Narrow Water.

"The perpetrators may try to write this atrocity out of the history books- But we will make sure that the memory of the 18 brave soldiers that lost their lives at this site on 27th of August 1979 will NEVER be forgotten!"

The area was later tidied and the damaged poppy wreaths replaced.

Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor condemned the latest incident of desecration, which comes amid a string of recent attacks on the site.

He said: "I say to those who perpetrate these sickening acts, enough is enough! The families of the 18 murdered soldiers already endure enough heartache through losing their loved ones in such tragic circumstances without having their pain further compounded when incidents of this nature occur.

"I appeal for all political representatives and community leaders to do everything in their power to ensure that these attacks stop once and for all."



(JG/CM)