Republican grave plot comes under attack

Graffiti was sprayed on the portion of Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast, including an unprintable slogan attacking the IRA.

The PSNI described the graffiti as “sectarian”, and said the issue is being dealt with as a case of criminal damage.

Sinn Fein sent out a message to the press calling on anyone with information to contact police.

The party’s West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said: “The Republican Plot in Milltown was desecrated last night in what appears to be a sectarian attack.

“The Irish Proclamation at the memorial was spray painted and headstones were attacked.

“All graveyards are sacred places and should be respected.

“This attack is outrageous and does nothing other than cause distress to families whose loved ones are buried in the plot.

“I would like to commend the National Graves Association who tend to the Republican Plot and whose members are already involved in a clean-up of the graves.

“If anyone has any information about those responsible for this vile attack I would urge them to bring it forward to the police.”

The attack has echoes of vandalism which has been repeatedly carried out by republicans against a memorial in north-west Belfast to three young Scottish soldiers killed by the IRA.