‘Sectarian hate crime’ investigation launched after £1000 damage to memorial

Local Ulster Unionist representatives, Danny Kennedy MLA and Cllr David Taylor have condemned damage caused to a memorial in South Armagh to Hugh William Clarke, who was murdered by the IRA in April 1977.

In a joint statement the local representatives described the attack on the memorial as “disgusting and hurtful in the extreme to the widow and family circle of William Clarke who was abducted and murdered in very cruel circumstances nearly forty years ago”.

Danny Kennedy said, “This attack is entirely reprehensible and completely devoid of feeling after nearly forty years – those responsible are the lowest of the low.”

Cllr David Taylor said the attack had caused great distress to the widow and members of the Clarke family, “who have suffered in silence since 1977 and borne their grief and loss with enormous dignity”.

He described those responsible as “seriously sick individuals” and appealed to the local South Armagh community to “ensure the memorial, when reinstated, would be respected in the future”.

Police are appealing for witnesses after criminal damage was caused to the memorial stone and plaque on the Carricknagavanagh Road, Mullaghbawn.

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Speaking to Newry Times, Constable Jon McDonald said, “The total damage is estimated to be approximately £1000.

“It is understood that the criminal damage occurred sometime between midnight and 8am on Saturday 6th August.

“We are appealing for anyone who might have information which may assist the investigation to contact police at Newtownhamilton Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1271 of 07/08/16.

“Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Aug 10 2016. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry