The war memorial in Ballycastle [Google Maps] A Co Antrim MLA has condemned vandalism which targeted a war memorial in Ballycastle as police confirmed the incident is being investigated. TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said he was "appalled by the desecration of Ballycastle War Memorial". The PSNI confirmed there were planters emptied, a rail at the memorial broken and a wreath removed from the site early on Sunday morning.
Mr Gaston said: "Poppy wreaths laid just a few weeks ago in memory of those who died at the Somme have been destroyed. Flowers which have been planted in pots around the memorial have been ripped out and strewn around the area. “I have contacted the council to ask that action is taken immediately to clean up the mess and have challenged the PSNI to check CCTV footage in the area to see if the attack has been captured on camera.
“This disgusting incident not only shows disrespect to the war dead but will raise community tensions at a volatile time. “Over the past month I’ve been in Ballycastle assisting a number of constituents from across the divide and I want to stress that this behaviour certainly isn’t reflective of the beautiful town or its people. “I would appeal to those who will rightly be outraged by this to not leave dealing with the matter to the PSNI and for anyone with information to come forward to the police.
” A PSNI spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact police on the 101..