Sinn Fein Cllr Paul Fleming.
The theft of a Union flag from a Derry Orange Hall has been condemned by Sinn Fein.
The flag was stolen from the roof of the hall on Coolafinny Road in Eglinton and replaced with a 32 County Sovereignty Movement flag at around 11.15pm last night.
Police have said they are treating the incident as a “hate crime.”
Condemning the theft, Sinn Féin Cllr Paul Fleming said flags and symbols should be treated with respect and the theft “must be condemned.”
He added: “We want to create a culture of tolerance and actions like this do nothing to contribute to that.
“This is no different to the destruction of tricolours on loyalist bonfires.
“I hope this will not do anything to raise community tensions in the area and I would appeal for the return of this flag to its owners.”
Three males, believed by police to have been involved, were seen leaving the area in a white Seat Leon.
The police spokesperson added: “Police are treating the theft as a hate crime.”
The spokesperson asked anyone with informationn to contact officers at Strand Road police station on the non-emergency telephone number 101.
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