North Belfast memorial to soldiers daubed in graffiti for second time

North Belfast memorial to soldiers daubed in graffiti for second time

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Thugs have attacked a memorial to soldiers who died in World War One - covering it in graffiti.

It is the second time in recent days the monument in the Woodvale area of north Belfast has been targeted.

Republican slogans were daubed on the memorial overnight as well as 'UTH' or up the hoods.

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In the previous incident flags were torn down and poppy wreaths were stolen.

Reacting to the latest attack, one local told Belfast Live: "It's just heartbreaking. How can people be so disrespectful. This is going to take a lot of time and money to repair.

"I wonder if the people who did this realise the damage they've done."

North Belfast MLA William Humphrey, who is also Honorary Vice President of the City of Belfast Branch of the Army Benevolent Fund said: "Only in the last few days we have been marking the 100 anniversary of the Battle of Jutland, and next month we will commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. There is a growing recognition of the shared sacrifice across during the First World War.

"The attack on this memorial is a hate crime, motivated by nothing short of blind bigotry. The memorial has been subjected to repeated attacks over recent weeks in what is clearly a concerted campaign. Those who attacked the memorial are obviously ignorant of the fact that it is totally inclusive, given that it remembers German soldiers.

"This memorial was put in place through the hard work of the Army Benevolent Fund and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the ABF to ensure the memorial is restored and will continue to stand as a fitting memorial to those who died in the Great War."

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly slated the attack, saying it was "not the act of a republican".

He added: "It is a shameful attack, which I condemn outright. “The graffiti was utterly distasteful.

“This week has seen a number of attacks against memorials including the republican plot in Milltown cemetery.

“All these acts of mindless and sectarian vandalism need to stop immediately.”

The attack happened as Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness visited war graves in Flanders.

Speaking in Belgium, the Sinn Fein MLA said: "It is important I come here as deputy First Minister in a spirit of peace and reconciliation, showing leadership and reaching out the hand of friendship to unionists."

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