Londonderry: Theft of poppy wreaths after Somme remembrance service condemned

In a statement, Middleton said it was “deeply disappointing, although sadly not surprising”.

“Those wreaths were placed in memory of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” Middleton said.

“To target a war memorial in this way is an act of contempt, not simply towards the organisations that laid the wreaths, but towards the memory of those who gave their lives.”

Middleton also referred to reports that images of the stolen wreaths had been shared on social media.

“If these reports are accurate, it only serves to compound the hurt caused to veterans, serving personnel, their families and the wider community,” she said.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.