Police in Derry are treating graffiti sprayed on a door of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. The damage occurred on 17 March in the Society Street area.

UUP councillor Darren Guy condemned the incident. He noted it took place on the same day members of the organisation attended a Christian church service during the bank holiday. Guy stated those responsible showed no Christianity toward Protestant neighbours and said such graffiti has no place in the city.

Guy described the graffiti as part of attacks on the Protestant community in Derry. He called for more action to educate and remove such hatred.

The Apprentice Boys of Derry confirmed awareness of the graffiti and that police are handling the matter. They called the incident disappointing but said it had no effect on St Patrick's Day events at the hall.

Police requested information or footage from the public. Contact 101 quoting reference 1591 of 17/03/26, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.