Londonderry: Stolen poppy wreaths returned after ‘meaningful dialogue’

Four poppy wreaths stolen from a war memorial in Londonderry following a Somme remembrance service have been returned to the Royal British Legion.

In a statement on social media, external, Jason Dougherty, chairman of the Royal British Legion’s Waterside branch, confirmed the wreaths had been returned following “meaningful dialogue” and “constructive negotiations”.

Police had been treating the theft as a sectarian-motivated hate crime after they were removed from the city’s war memorial on Wednesday evening following a service marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support, patience and understanding throughout this matter,” Dougherty said.

Ulster Unionist councillor Darren Guy, who attended the remembrance service on Wednesday evening, welcomed the return of the poppy wreaths.

He said this was made possible through communication between representatives from the Royal British Legion and a local community group.

“We hope moving forward that this will be a catalyst for better understanding,” said Guy.