2 July 2026

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has appealed for stolen wreaths to be returned to Derry’s Cenotaph.

Police have said the incident occurred on Wednesday night and they are treating it as a sectarian hate crime.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said:

“The Cenotaph at the heart of our city contains the names of people from all over Derry who lost their lives in the first world war. It’s really disheartening that following the Battle of the Somme Commemoration that someone has seen fit to remove these wreaths, causing great upset to members of our community.

“I would urge whoever did this to return the wreaths immediately. Respect costs nothing and our city has always led the way when it comes to accommodating different traditions and showing that we can live together peacefully.

“As we approach the summer months I would urge young people not to get caught up in tit-for-tat sectarian or anti-social behaviour and appeal to parents to ensure their children do not get involved in any disorder. There is so much to be positive about in Derry at the minute and the last thing we want is for incidents like this to create unnecessary tension or hold us back.”