Christmas tree vandalised in Co Derry
A Christmas tree in the centre of a Northern Ireland village was cut down hours after the lights were turned on by the local Sinn Féin Mayor.
Police today condemned the vandalism in Burnfoot, Co Derry, as “deplorable”.
Mayor of Limavady Ann Brolly was heckled by people waving union flags and opposed to her presence when she switched on the tree lights at a ceremony last night.
Some time later the 30ft tree was felled, smashing some of the lights and decorations.
Police said they were convinced the protest at the ceremony and the vandalism to the tree were related.
Inspector Ivan Goldsworthy said: “It is a total disgrace that a symbol that is meant to bring pleasure at this time of the year should have been cut down.
“I’m sure that a lot of people in the community will be very disappointed at this mindless act, particularly the young children who sang carols at the ceremony to switch on the lights.”
Limavady Borough Council said its workmen had re-erected the now somewhat shorter tree and repaired lights that had been smashed when it was felled.
