Wreath burning treated as ‘sectarian hate crime’

Wreath burnt
ATTEMPTS to set fire to a poppy wreath in Omagh are being investigated as a sectarian hate crime by police.

A number of teenage males were seen attempting to destroy the wreaths at the cenotaph on Drumragh Avenue shortly after 8.30pm last Wednesday.

Police attended and it was discovered that one wreath had been burned.

Richard Scott MBE, who is chairman of the local Royal British Legion (RBL) branch, described the incident as “disgusting”.

He said, “I was alerted that a wreath had been set alight by youths. On arrival I found a wreath which had obviously been set alight. No matter who had laid the wreath the fact that some had seen fit to burn it on the sanctity of a place of Remembrance was disgusting.

“In my capacity as chairman of the RBL in Omagh I have strived to ensure that we all remember with pride those who gave their lives both Protestant and Catholic. This was most evident in the recent interdenominational service on July 1 when, more than likely, the perpetrators of this act were still in their beds. For their information two members of the public, one Protestant and one Catholic, together laid wreaths in a symbolic act of Remembrance on behalf of their communities. The perpetrators are not attacking a wreath they are attacking us all. Compare that to someone from outside the district who wanted to respect the sacrifices of all those people from Omagh who died in two World Wars.”

Mr Scott said he would like the opportunity to educate those responsible on the symbolic significance of the poppy wreaths.

He concluded, “The PSNI will do their enquiries and try to identify those responsible. For my part this is a paper exercise for a slap on the wrist that will mean nothing.

“I would much prefer that those responsible come to me and apologise for their actions and perhaps listen to the narrative of those from this town who gave their lives for their freedom.”

Adding his condemnation, local DUP councillor Errol Thompson expressed how this “unsavoury incident” has caused widespread anger in the community.

He continued, “This is the second time within three years that this action has been carried out by thugs, who seem intent on rising tensions within the community. The first being in September 2013, when a wreath was burnt, and scorch damage caused to the Cenotaph.

“On this occasion, passers by were able to put the fire out, and informed the appropriate authorities as to what had taken place.

“I would call on all those in the community, who may know the identities of the individuals involved, to bring this information as soon as possible, to the PSNI, so that those responsible, may be held accountable for their insensitive actions.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident or anyone who can provide information as to the identities of the youths involved are asked to contact police in Omagh on 101, quoting reference 1167 of July 27.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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