06/06/2016

Orange Hall Attacked In Co Antrim

An Orange Hall has been attacked in Co Antrim.

Brown paint was thrown over the windows and wall in the Crewe Road area of Upper Ballinderry overnight.

Police are treating the attack as a hate crime.

The incident is the eighth attack this year, according to the Orange Order.

A spokesperson from the Orange Order said: "The mindless individuals behind this cowardly act have nothing to offer society and should be ashamed of their actions.

"This hall, like many others across the Province, serves as a centre for events and social engagement in the locality. Such moronic activity is an attack on the entire community and serves absolutely no purpose."

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney said: "This attack on an Orange hall on the Crewe Road in Upper Balinderry was wrong and I condemn it.

"Those responsible for the attack are not representative of the local community where we have good community relations. Those positive relations will not be stalled by this futile attack."

Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA said: "It is an example of a complete lack of tolerance for the tradition and culture of others. The attack is on everyone in the local community and follows similar attacks on memorials across Belfast.

"We need to move away from these senseless attacks and show respect if we are to truly create a shared society."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

(CD)


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