The Ulster Unionist Deputy Mayor of Londonderry & Strabane, Derek Hussey, has condemned the display of the names of murdered Police and Prison officers alongside stolen poppy wreaths on a bonfire in the Bogside area of Londonderry.     

Alderman Hussey said:

“I am totally dismayed and disgusted at the appearance of the names of murdered Police officers and Prison officers, along with stolen poppy wreaths, on the bonfire at Meenan Square in the Bogside area of Londonderry on the 15th August.

“I observed this bonfire earlier in the day and none of these names or wreaths were present. Quite obviously they were placed late on to prevent action being taken. 

“There is simply no excuse for this type of behavior. It is nowhere near cultural expression and shows a total lack of respect and a clear intention to cause great hurt and offence.

"Further, it should be noted that within a couple of hundred yards of this depraved sectarian symbolism that was the Meenan Square bonfire, others within the nationalist/republican community were able to enjoy a bonfire causing no offence and indeed augmented by days of festival activities leading up to it.

“This shameful incident that occurred at Meenan Square shows just how far we have to travel to build a shared City and a shared society. Those responsible have sunk to a new low. It is time the communities where this type of activity takes place reject such actions and those who encourage and support them.”

“Today, Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd has said that there is visual evidence in regard to those who had undertaken this hate crime.  This should now be followed through, and those engaged in this despicable activity must be quickly brought to justice.  I would also urge those who would have further evidence to make contact with the authorities and assist in the apprehension of the perpetrators."