The memorial at Ard Foyle, Bishop Street, was damaged in a hammer attack some time around 3.30am on Monday.

Martin McMonagle of the IRSP described the attack as "deplorable."

"This attack was carried out by cowards under the cover of darkness. To attack a memorial to one of our hunger strikers is absolutely deplorable. Members of our party have already spoken to residents in Bishop Street and there is a very real feeling of anger at this attack on the memorial.

"This is the second time that this area has come under similar attack. Last year the accompanying mural nearby was paint bombed.
"Patsy O'Hara was and is held in the highest regard by the people of Bishop Street and the entire city and as such we would view this attack on the memorial as an attack on the entire republican community of Derry," he said.

The IRSP have asked anyone with information on the attack to get in touch with the party at its office In Lenamore.