22/07/2016

Flute Band Bus Fire Being Treated As 'Hate Crime'

A bus belonging to Dervock Young Defenders flute band has been destroyed in a fire in Co Antrim.

The bus was found on fire on the Carncullagh Road at around 5.30am on Friday, 22 July.

Police are treating the incident as a hate crime.

An investigation has been launched to establish the cause of the fire.

DUP MLA Mervyn Storey condemned the incident.

He said: "This is a despicable act and I have already spoken this morning to police to see what leads they may have as to what happened and who was responsible.

If this was arson I would appeal for full cooperation with the police and that there is no retaliation. Regrettably there are a small element of individuals who are determined to spread sectarian hatred."

(CD/MH)

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