There is outrage in the city of Derry this evening after ruthless thugs vandalised 20 headstones and memorials at Derry’s City Cemetery in an overnight attack.
The disgraceful attack which has been branded the act of “mindless thugs”. It is understood vandals destroyed a number of gravestones including some that are 150 years old.
The city council say that a total of 21 graves were completely desecrated in the attack. The heartless actions have prompted much anger from local residents including SDLP councillor John Boyle who described the attack as “a new low”.
Cllr Boyle told reporters: “This was an act of vandalism in the extreme which has desecrated the final resting place of the loved ones of at least 20 families. “Some of these headstones have remained undisturbed and respected for around 150 years until these mindless thugs carried out this act of unadulterated destruction.
“The City Cemetery is a place of sanctity and is regarded as such by every right-thinking person on the planet.
“So many people tracing their family history come here to this very part of the cemetery hoping to spend time at the grave of their ancestor. How would anyone feel looking at one of these headstones, it is an absolute disgrace and a new low in vandalism.” The City Cemetery is owned and maintained by Derry City and Strabane District Council.