Poppy wreaths burned at memorial

The memorial was also damaged in the fire

Wreaths laid in remembrance at a County Armagh war memorial have been set on fire.

About 16 Royal British Legion wreaths at the memorial in the mall in Armagh city were damaged on Monday.

Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Danny Kennedy said it was a "totally despicable act".

"Just over a week ago we came together to remember those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in both world wars and in more recent conflicts."

"This act of destruction is a complete insult and slur on their memory," he said.

"Those who carried out this act would do well to remember that the poppy represents men and women from both communities and both sides of the border."

DUP MLA William Irwin said:"Those who carried out this attack are totally depraved and their actions will be deeply offensive and hurtful to the relatives of those brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price."

SDLP councillor Mealla Bratton also condemned those responsible for setting the wreaths on fire.