Police probe continues into stolen Derry charity money

Derry police investigations are continuing into the theft of a large amount of money from a charity event in a city leisure centre.

It emerged earlier this month that thousands of pounds were stolen following a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in aid of four local charities - Macmillan, the Pink Ladies, Fountain Dance Association and Foyle Search and Rescue - on the weekend of April 16 and 17.

The event was held at the Foyle Arena leisure centre (pictured) at St Columb’s Park in the Waterside area of the city..

In a statement earlier this month, a spokesperson for the four charities said: “Each charity would like to thank the members of the public for their generous donation to the event.

“We are sorry that this has taken place and that we find ourselves in these circumstances. We hope that we can rely on your support in the future.”

The charities say they cannot comment further due to the ongoing police investigation.

However, they appealed for anyone with any information to pass it on to the PSNI.

The Foyle Arena is owned by Derry City and Strabane District Council and the theft of the money has been discussed at a meeting of the council’s Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee.

A report prepared for councillors on the committee said that the event was organised by a third party who had hired the council facility.

The income from the event was not Council's income and was not receipted or secured by Council's systems or staff,” the report said.

“The PSNI were contacted immediately when staff were advised of the incident.

“Council staff have fully cooperated with the PSNI and provided them with all of the information they require at this stage.

“The PSNI are carrying out an investigation in relation to this incident and Council will continue to cooperate with them in their investigation.

“Members will be kept updated in relation to this incident and the ongoing PSNI investigation.”