The wreaths were removed from the memorial in the Diamond area of the city at some point over the weekend. Police have confirmed they are treating it as a hate crime.

 “It is absolutely sickening anyone would stoop as low as to steal wreaths from a war memorial,” said Councillor McKinney.

 “We lived in a shared society and these disrespectful actions do nothing except raise tension across the community, particularly as the memorial represents everyone from the local area who fought in the world wars.

 “I appeal to anyone with information on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”