Anger after war memorial is torched in Antrim

The incident is the latest in a spate of attacks on the memorial over the years.

Seven years ago railings were installed around the memorial in the Lillian Bland Park on the Ballyclare Road in order to prevent further attacks.

The most recent act of vandalism occurred only a few weeks ago.

Two poppy wreaths which had been placed through the railings were burned in last night’s incident.

Alliance councillor Julian McGrath said he was “disgusted to see Glengormley’s war memorial vandalised yet again by people who offer absolutely nothing to society.”

He added that he will “continue to liaise” with the council and the PSNI on how to protect the memorial going into the future from “mindless idiots”.

The DUP’s Phillip Brett said: “Absolutely disgraceful that Glengormley war memorial has once again been attacked overnight.

“Wreaths have been burnt and the memorial damaged. A sustained campaign of hate. This needs to end.”

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the SDLP’s Noreen McClelland, said the attack was “totally unacceptable”.

She added: “I am really saddened to hear the memorial has been damaged again.”

South Antrim DUP MLA, Pam Cameron, posted to Twitter: “Disgusting to see yet another hate crime attack has occurred on this memorial.”