A memorial plaque for a former Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officer from Co Donegal which was stolen from a local graveyard has been returned.
However, the plaque's original inscription has been crossed out, and a new one has been etched on its reverse side.
The family of the later Detective Constable John Doherty had laid the plaque and a poppy wreath on his family plot at Castlefinn graveyard at the end of October last year. However, just a week later, the items were stolen from the grave.
It is understood the plaque was returned to the grave in recent days.
The original inscription featured the RUC emblem and a tribute to Detective Constable Doherty on the 50th anniversary of his death in 1973.
The returned plaque has lines through the text of the original inscription, and lines crossing through the RUC emblem.
On the other side, a new inscription has been added, signed off with the phrase 'Up the IRA'.
The new inscription reads: "Remember all the victims of the RUC collusive behaviour with loyalist paramilitaries.
"RUC/PSNI Sectarian Police – enforcing British rule in Ireland not welcome. Up the IRA."
The final line is written in the colours of the Irish tricolour.
Detective Constable Doherty was 31 when he was shot by the IRA on October 28th, 1973.
He had been visiting his mother in Ballindrait, who lived just five minutes from the Border.
He was gunned down at the entrance to his mother's home. His girlfriend was seriously injured in the attack, but survived. Nobody has ever been convicted of his murder.
A service was held on October 28th, 2023, to mark the 50th anniversary of Detective Constable Doherty's death.
His brother, Terry Doherty, said at the time of the theft that he believed the plaque and wreath were taken because John was a member of the RUC.
He added that the family did not plan to replace the stone as they did not want to give those responsible for the theft the chance to steal again.
"I won't give them the opportunity or the satisfaction," Mr Doherty said.
"John will always be remembered for who he was and for what he represented."
Gardaí issued an appeal at the time of the theft urging anyone with information to come foward.
A Garda spokesperson said: "A black marble memorial plaque and a wreath were stolen from John Doherty’s grave between 8.45pm on Saturday, November 4th and midday on Sunday, November 5th.
"Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information in relation to the incident to contact them on 074-916 7100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111."
