Orange lodge reports theft of poppy wreath from Derry War Memorial as hate crime

The incident that occurred overnight on Friday has been reported by a local Orange lodge which owned the memento.

"Following the theft of a number of poppy wreaths from the War Memorial at The Diamond in Londonderry overnight on Friday, July 31, 2020, the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge can confirm that one of the three wreaths stolen belonged to the City Grand Lodge.

"The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge would express their disappointment in the theft of such wreaths, which are laid in memory of ALL whom paid the Supreme Sacrifice during Past World Wars, as well as more recent conflicts both at home and abroad," said the local lodge.

The theft is now under investigation by the PSNI.

"The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge are working with the PSNI in relation to these thefts and would appeal for anyone with further information to pass it onto the PSNI.

"Please note, whilst investigations into this hate crime are ongoing, the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge will be making NO further comment at this stage," it stated.