Police probe criminal damage to war memorial in Co Tyrone

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Police are probing criminal damage to a war memorial in Co Tyrone as “sectarian-motivated hate crime”.

Sectarian graffiti was discovered daubed on the memorial on Derry Road in Strabane on Monday.

Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey condemned the incident.

“It has been reported that once again the war memorial has been attacked, this time with the KAH paint sprayed across the memorial apparently occurring sometime on Monday,” he said.

Paint attack on Strabane War Memorial

Ulster Unionist Councillor, Derek Hussey, has expressed dismay and anger that, once again, the War Memorial in Strabane has been attacked.

Alderman Hussey, who represents the Derg Electoral Area on Derry and Strabane District Council, said:… pic.twitter.com/ThOzMDR0ax

— Ulster Unionist Party (@uuponline) April 28, 2026

“This is not the first time that this war memorial has been desecrated and indeed previously wreaths have been taken from the site.

“I find myself dismayed at such an attack and angry with those who have perpetrated it.

“This war memorial, and others throughout our country, commemorates the supreme sacrifice of brave men and women from throughout all sections of our community.

“Those who laid down their lives in conflicts across the globe in defence of democracy and the freedom we enjoy today.”

Mr Hussey urged anyone with information to contact police.

A police spokesperson said they received a report on Monday of criminal damage caused to the memorial.

“It’s reported the damaged cause – graffiti daubed on the memorial – may have happened sometime overnight, and is being treated as a sectarian-motivated hate crime,” they said.

“Anyone with information that may assist inquiries is asked to report it by calling 101, quoting reference number 503 of 27/04/26 or report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/”