IRA graffiti close to Enniskillen bomb memorial being treated as hate crime

Police are investigating after IRA graffiti was scrawled on the wall close to the site of the Enniskillen bomb.

Unionist politicians and a victims campaigner condemned the graffiti on the wall of the Clinton Centre in Enniskillen, which was spotted on Sunday evening.

The centre is close to the site of the Enniskillen bomb memorial.

The PSNI said it is being treated as a hate crime, with officers appealing for information.

Eleven people – 10 civilians and a police officer – were killed when the IRA exploded a bomb close to the town’s cenotaph during a Remembrance Sunday service on November 8 1987.

A 12th victim – headteacher Ronnie Hill – died 13 years later aged 69 after spending the rest of his life in a coma.

Some 63 people were also injured in the blast, which the IRA said was targeting soldiers parading to the memorial.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police in Enniskillen are investigating a report of criminal damage caused to a building in the Belmore Street area of the town.

“A report was received on Sunday evening, November 26, that graffiti had been sprayed on a wall.

“Enquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a hate crime, are ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information which could assist, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 1600 26/11/23.”

Ms Erskine said she was disgusted at the incident.

“It is completely disgraceful and does not represent this town or any right thinking person,” she said.

“This is a wholly despicable act. Those responsible should be utterly ashamed for trying to whip up public tensions.

“The IRA was a terrorist organisation who killed and murdered scores of people. They do not deserve any public show of support.

“This is also criminal damage to a property. I have reported this incident to the police and I hope those responsible are caught.

“No doubt this incident will upset Enniskillen Bomb families. This graffiti is very close to the memorial that Enniskillen Bomb families placed in remembrance of their loved ones.

“A few short weeks ago I joined with those families in a dignified remembrance event on November 8.

“The respect of those families is in sharp contrast to those that carried out this disgusting graffiti incident, in such a public way.”

Earlier this month Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, UK Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher were among those who attended the annual Remembrance service at the memorial in Enniskillen.

“The annual remembrance event means a lot to the people of Enniskillen and surrounding area,” Mr Heaton-Harris said after the commemoration.

“The 1987 bombing was a horrific act, the pain of which is still felt 36 years on. Today, I was humbled by the incredible dignity of the victims’ families as they remember those lost on that fateful day.”

South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) – a group who provide support to survivors and victims of the Troubles – said they would be supporting those affected by the incident.

“This is a deplorable action by those intent on inflicting further pain and anguish upon those already so grievously wronged,” said director Kenny Donaldson.

“The memorial to the innocents of the Enniskillen bomb remembers 12 innocents murdered by Provisional IRA terrorists – an act of demonic proportions, indiscriminately attacking people as they came together to mourn the dead of previous wars and conflicts.

“The truth hurts and for some the truth being represented at that site does hurt – the terrorists, those who justify their actions, other apologists and the fools who believe that the pathway to reconciliation is paved through airbrushing away the actions of others, and/or sanitising their behaviour.

“Our thoughts, prayers and support remains with the Enniskillen families this day and in each day that lays ahead.”

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