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Wizard of Oz themed Halloween hay sculptures set alight

Derry City and Strabane District Council tin man hay sculptureDerry City and Strabane District Council
The witch and tin man had been located alongside the town's iconic 'Tinnies' sculptures

Two Wizard of Oz-inspired hay sculptures created as part of Halloween celebrations in Strabane, County Tyrone, have been set alight.

The Tin Man and Wicked Witch sculptures were part of Derry City and Strabane District council's Halloween Hay Sculpture Trail.

Police said they were set alight at about 20:00 GMT on Sunday.

The Halloween Hay Sculpture Trail has been created by local Young Farmers clubs and community groups.

Daniel McCrossan MLA burned hay sculptureDaniel McCrossan MLA
The hay sculptures were set alight on Sunday night

The witch and tin man were erected alongside the town's renowned Tinnies sculptures, on the roundabout beside Lifford Bridge.

Hay Trail sculptures have also been erected in Donemana, Castlederg, Plumbridge, Newtownstewart and Victoria Bridge.

The sculptures had been "extremely popular, particularly with families", said a spokesperson for Derry and Strabane council.

"There is a sense of real disappointment following the damage and we would encourage people to remember that the sculptures are there for everyone to enjoy, and to bring the Halloween festivities right across the city and district," added the spokesperson.

The PSNI has appealed for information.

In a separate incident in Strabane on Sunday, police said a number of pallets were set alight at the rear of a business at Bradley Way.

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said those responsible for the fires "need to be taken under control by the PSNI".

"Anti-social behaviour in Strabane is now out of control. Thugs routinely vandalise and destroy local amenities and have now set their sights on businesses and civic art," he added.