“This act of vandalism is an attack on the whole community.”
Damage caused to a loyalist band memorial in North Belfast is being treated by police as a “hate crime” as a wreath was set on fire over the weekend.
The damage was believed to have been caused at around 6.40am on Sunday, October 12, when a poppy wreath on the Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band’s memorial on Alliance Avenue was set alight. Police said they are treating the incident as “arson and a hate crime.”
The memorial is dedicated to band members, family members, and local residents who have passed away. Posting on social media, the Pride of Ardoyne band said the site was “attacked and vandalised” by a “mindless, heartless, cowardly moron.”
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They added: “Once again the Pride of Ardoyne FB Memorial has been attacked and vandalised by a mindless, heartless cowardly moron. A wreath was set on fire at the Memorial at approx. 6:40am this morning causing severe damage.
“This memorial is dedicated to band members, family members and local residents no longer with us so this act of vandalism is an attack on the whole community. This moron has obviously never suffered loss or he would know the pain that grief brings .
“You can destroy objects of rememberance with your hatred but you can never destroy the love and memories we have in our hearts.”
Police said they are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident.
Neighbourhood Inspector Adams said: “We received a report at around 9.55am on Monday, 13th October of criminal damage in the Alliance Avenue area, where a wreath on a memorial was set on fire.
“It is believed the damage was caused at around 6.40am on Sunday, 12th October. Enquires into the incident, which is being treated as arson and a hate crime, are ongoing.
“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting reference 324 of 13/10/25.
“A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. ”
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