Theft of memorial banner and poppy wreath in Derry being treated as sectarian hate crimes

Police in Derry are investigating two separate incidents involving the theft and damage of memorial items over the weekend, both of which are being treated as sectarian hate crimes.

A 16-year-old male was arrested on Monday evening, November 10, in connection with an incident in The Fountain area, where a banner was reported stolen.

The male was arrested on suspicion of offences including theft and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The incident in which a memorial display was also reported to be damaged is believed to have occurred at some point over the past weekend.

In a separate report received today (Tuesday, November 11), police confirmed that a poppy wreath was stolen from The Cenotaph in The Diamond area of the city.

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This theft is believed to have occurred between early Sunday afternoon, November 9, and the time it was reported this morning.

Police are appealing to anyone with information regarding either incident to call 101 or report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.