Burrows welcomes arrest and praises local volunteers after two attacks on Ballymena war memorial

Ulster Unionist Party leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

Ulster Unionist Party leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has welcomed the arrest of a 26-year-old man following two attacks on a Ballymena war memorial, while stressing that the police investigation remains ongoing.

The man was arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage following incidents at the Queen Street memorial in Harryville on Saturday, 8 August and Monday, 10 August.

Police have previously said they believe the two attacks are linked and are treating them as sectarian-motivated hate crimes.

Mr Burrows, who strongly condemned the repeated vandalism and had called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable, welcomed confirmation that an arrest had now been made.

‘Progress has been made’

He said:

“I welcome confirmation from the PSNI that an arrest has now been made in connection with these disgraceful incidents.

“Following the second attack, I made clear that I would be speaking directly with the police and that I expected these incidents to be investigated thoroughly. I am pleased that progress has been made, although it is important to recognise that the police investigation remains ongoing.

“This memorial means a great deal to people in Harryville and across Ballymena. It is a place where people can stop, reflect and remember those who gave their lives in service and sacrifice. To see it deliberately targeted not once, but twice in a matter of days caused understandable anger and hurt within the local community.”

The Queen Street memorial was targeted twice in the space of three days, with flags stolen and flag poles damaged.

After the first incident, replacement flags were put up, only for the memorial to be attacked again early on Monday morning.

Praise for Harryville volunteers

Mr Burrows also highlighted the work carried out around the memorial by volunteers from Harryville and Clonavon Recovery & Regenerate.

The group had spent considerable time cleaning and improving the area around the memorial before the attacks took place.

Mr Burrows said:

“I also want to recognise the volunteers from Harryville and Clonavon Recovery & Regenerate who have put considerable time and effort into cleaning and improving this area around the memorial.

“Their work represents the very best of our community and stands in stark contrast to the mindless actions we witnessed over the weekend.”

The memorial was originally erected by the local community around 15 years ago in remembrance of men from Queen Street who died on 1 July 1916 at the Battle of the Somme.

It was removed when construction began on the Home Bargains store site before being reinstated at a new location around 20 yards further along Queen Street in June this year. A memorial summer seat was also added earlier this year.

Police still seeking witnesses and footage

Despite the arrest, the PSNI has stressed that its investigation is continuing and renewed its appeal for information from the public.

Mr Burrows echoed that appeal.

He said:

“I would encourage anyone who may have information, or who was in the Queen Street or Harryville areas during the early hours of Saturday or Monday and noticed anything suspicious, to come forward and assist the PSNI with its continuing enquiries.

“There can be no place for sectarian hatred or the deliberate desecration of places of remembrance in Ballymena. Those responsible for criminal acts must be held accountable through the proper processes of law.”

Police have confirmed that the 26-year-old remains in custody.

Anyone with information, including relevant dash-cam footage from the Queen Street or Harryville areas early on Saturday, 8 August or Monday, 10 August, can contact police on 101, quoting reference 275 10/08/26.

Information can also be submitted through the PSNI witness appeal form.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

With an arrest now made but the investigation continuing, police are still seeking evidence from the public as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding both attacks.