War memorial vandalism 'absolutely disgusting'

A politician has condemned a vandalism attack on a town's war memorial, which police are treating as a sectarian hate crime, as "an absolute disgrace".

An offensive sectarian term was painted on the monument on the Derry Road in Strabane, County Tyrone, on Monday.

Local Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey said he was "totally dismayed and angered" by the graffiti.

"It is absolutely disgusting that someone would desecrate the memorial in this way," he said.

"War memorials are there to commemorate the dead who fought in both World Wars from all sides of the community."

Hussey said while it was important memorials were "open to all", he believed it may be time for security to be installed at ones that have been attacked previously.

The attack has also been condemned by the North West Cultural Partnership (NWCP), which was set up to promote cross-commumity relations.

In a statement on social media, NWCP described the vandalism as "deeply disappointing".

"These memorials are not just stone and inscription they represent shared history, remembrance and respect for all those affected by conflict," NWCP said.

"It's disheartening to witness damage to a space that belongs to everyone."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.