Sean Graham Bookmakers massacre: PSNI probe attack on memorial to five people murdered by UDA

The terror group murdered five people in an gun attack on Sean Graham Bookmakers in 1992 which left seven other people injured – one of the most notorious terror attacks of the Troubles.

Police said they are appealing for information following a report of criminal damage on the south Belfast memorial on Thursday.

PSNI Superintendent Finola Dornan said: “Police have launched an investigation following a report of damage to a memorial dedicated to those who died at the Sean Graham Bookmakers attack in 1992. This is being treated as a sectarian motivated offence.

“At around 4am this morning, a male on a bicycle spray painted the memorial plaque, causing considerable damage.

“We are investigating a potential link between this incident and a report of criminal damage at the memorial in September this year.

“These incidents have understandably caused real hurt and distress to bereaved families and the wider local community. We are treating this matter very seriously and a robust investigation is underway."

SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown said he visited the memorial due what he said was the latest in a string of attacks on it.

"It's heartbreaking to see people being retraumatised, and there was a very strong sentiment that actions like this can never be justified in any community," he said.

"People just want to live in peace and let others do the same.

"This was a blatant act of sectarianism which is causing extreme hurt for the families of the victims of the Sean Graham massacre, one of the worst incidents of the Troubles. "People are being denied the right to grieve in peace with these repeated attacks. No one should have to wipe spray paint off a memorial to their loved ones.

"Those responsible want to drag everyone back to the past and have nothing to offer, in stark contrast to the quiet dignity of the people in this community who are having to endure these hate attacks. The SDLP stands with the community in the lower Ormeau. We need to see leadership from those in a position of influence to call out these attacks and get them to stop."

Mr McKeown added that he was also on record as condemning similar attacks on Orange Halls and war memorials.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen what happened or those who may have any relevant information to contact police at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting 413 15/10/26, or call us on 101.

Alternatively, readers can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/