Paint attack on memorial mural is condemned

An attack on a mural and a memorial bench to a child on the Avenue Road in Lurgan has been condemned.

The mural in commemoration of the UVF of World War One was paint bombed overnight on Thursday/Friday (April 15-16).

Local MP Carla Lockhart said: “Some people would appear to be trying to goad locals into a reaction and I would appeal for calm heads. This is a disgusting attack last night on this historical mural. This has been in situ for many years and is an easy target given its location. This is not the first time this has happened but I know whilst angry about this loutish attack it will be restored again.

“Those who attacked it are clearly trying to stoke tensions in the area.”

The Avenue Road Somme Society also expressed disgust: “Once again the memorial on the Avenue Road is the easy target to another sectarian attack. These people have nothing to offer society and have obviously no form of education to destroy this.

“There is also a memorial seat in the area for a past band member, how low can these people stoop?

“Paint washes off and is gone but we will continue to remember the men/women, British/Irish, Protestant/Catholic, black/white.

“We Will Continue to Remember Them.”

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