Northern Ireland

Bloody Sunday victim's brother hurt by sale of UVF and Parachute Regiment flags in Derry

A stall selling UVF and Parachute Regiment flags on Glendermott Road in Derry
A stall selling UVF and Parachute Regiment flags on Glendermott Road in Derry

POLICE in Derry seized several items from a stall during an Apprentice Boys' march following complaints the stall-holder had UVF and Parachute Regiment flags for sale.

Officers are investigating after complaints were made about the stall which was based on Glendermott Road during the Apprentice Boys' Relief of Derry march in the city on Saturday.

Mickey McKinney, whose brother William was among those shot dead on Bloody Sunday, said he was deeply upset by the flags.

"It's offensive, not just to myself but the other families and the wounded," he said.

Mr McKinney, who works as a taxi driver, said he is hurt by the continued flying of Parachute Regiment flags in some parts of the city.

He called on councillors from all parties to condemn the selling of the flags.

"I know there is a police investigation. We await to see what happens there," he said.

Members of the British Army's Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights' demonstrators in Derry in 1972, killing 14 people.

In 2010, then Prime Minister David Cameron issued a formal, state apology for the "unjustified and unjustifiable" killings on Bloody Sunday.

Thousands of people, including more than 135 bands, took part in Saturday's parade to mark the anniversary of the end of the Siege of Derry in August 1689.

The Apprentice Boys have been contacted for comment.