Anger over wreaths theft

Nine wreaths placed on a wall at Mourneview Community Centre as a tribute to Keith White were removed in a mysterious midnight attack.

Anger within Mourneview had been stirred up as a result of the alleged attack as the floral tribute had gone untouched since its placement there a year previously.

The nine wreaths in memory of the young Lurgan man - who died several weeks after being hit by a plastic bullet during disturbances in Portadown - had been laid by his parents, local bands, the Ulster Club Movement and his friends.

“Everyone is very shocked and disappointed,” said a resident. “No-one has any idea why it happened, but they are very angry about it. Those responsible were clearly after the memorial as there are other murals nearby and they were not touched.”

The man said that people from the estate had been out looking for the wreaths in the hope that they might have been dumped elsewhere in the area.

It was likely that the wreaths would be replaced, but probably not until the following year when a second memorial service for Keith White would be held.

The resident said: “Everyone is disgusted at the way it was done under cover of darkness. These wreaths were our tribute to Keith White.”