Four poppy wreaths stolen from a war memorial in Londonderry last week have been returned to the Royal British Legion following negotiations.

The wreaths were removed from the city’s war memorial on Wednesday evening shortly after a service marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Police treated the theft as a sectarian-motivated hate crime.

Jason Dougherty, chairman of the Royal British Legion’s Waterside branch, confirmed on social media that the wreaths had been returned after what he called meaningful dialogue and constructive negotiations.

Foyle DUP MLA Julie Middleton welcomed the return and paid tribute to those involved in securing it. She said education about the memorial’s names, which include people from outside the unionist tradition, must be central to building a shared future in the city.

Ulster Unionist councillor Darren Guy, who attended the remembrance service, said the outcome was achieved through communication between Royal British Legion representatives and a local community group. He expressed hope that the episode would lead to better understanding in the future.