Legion's outrage at war memorial attack - Belfast Newsletter

Four wreaths were stolen, the bayonet broken off and damage caused to the leg of the statue which stands in the main square in Comber.

The memorial has never been attacked since it was built in 1923.

It is in the form of a bronze statue of an infantryman in full service equipment on a bronze tablet sunk into the front of a granite pedestal upon which the names of officers and men from the town and district who gave their lives in service are inscribed.

Sam McIlwrath from the Comber branch of the Royal British Legion has urged anyone with information about the attack to bring it to police.

"The war memorial has been in the square since 1923 and I have never known it to have been subjected to anything like this," he said.

"The square has played host to so many events over the years and the memorial has always been respected.

"It is disgraceful that the memory of those who fought and died for our freedom has been desecrated in this way.

"The vandalism of the statue could not have been an accident. The bayonet has been twisted off and the blade is now missing.

"The four wreaths that have been removed were laid there by the British Legion, North Down branch of the UDR Association, LOL 100 ex-servicemen's lodge and Goldsprings True Defenders Flute Band.

"These wreaths are still missing and I would ask that these could be returned, or if anyone has any information about where they may be that they provide this to police or the British Legion."

Strangford DUP MLA Michelle McIlveen shares an office with her Assembly colleague Simon Hamilton across the road from the memorial. She said the mood in the town was one of disgust at what has happened.

"It is deeply disappointing that there are those out there who do not respect the sacrifice of those to whom this memorial is dedicated," she said. "I would ask that anyone who has any information about this to come forward."

An spokeswoman for Ards Borough Council said its staff discovered the damage on Sunday morning and were now exploring options for repairing the statue.

"Any vandalism is to be condemned, but the wanton destruction of part of a memorial which stands as a tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice is particularly abhorrent," she said, adding that the damage will require specialist repair work and the council is awaiting an estimate.

A PSNI spokesman said police were appealing for information.

He confirmed that damage had been carried out to the war memorial statue in Comber Square and that memorial wreaths had gone missing.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the square in Comber any time last Saturday, August 4, and saw any suspicious activity.