Orange Hall War Memorial Attacked

Police are appealing for information following an attack on an Orange hall in Coleraine, County L'Derry.

A war memorial stone was damaged and wreaths were ripped up in the overnight attack at the memorial garden in Killowen Orange Hall, Shuttle Hill.

The damage was discovered at 07:00 on Saturday morning.

Coleraine District Master George Duddy said: "This heinous act is not only an insult to the entire community of Coleraine but also to those who sacrificed so much on the front line so that we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

"While those we remember served their country in uniform with honour, the culprits of this reprehensible deed offer nothing but shame.

"They must not be allowed to succeed and local brethren are determined their mark of respect to the war dead is re-instated to its rightful place."

Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson said of the people who carried out the attack: "Their cowardly actions, carried out under the cover of darkness, are in stark contrast to the bravery demonstrated on the battlefields by our war heroes."

The SDLP in Coleraine has condemned the move.

MLA John Dallat said: "Those involved in this do not represent or reflect the views of any section of the Nationalist community or indeed any community other than that of vandals.

"Public representatives...have an important role to play when things like this happen. They should be showing leadership and not talking up the possibility of raising tensions ahead of the marching season. Those involved in this disgusting act are not reflective of anyone in the community and no community should have to worry about raising tensions for an act of madness which they or their community have absolutely nothing to do with.

"In the days and weeks ahead every individual and every organisation has an important role to play in Coleraine to ensure that the predictions of rising tension are not fulfilled and we can build on the good work that has been done by many people to ensure that this town features only in the news for the good and positive things that happen rather than what happened in the past."

Anyone who noticed any unusual activity in the area overnight or who has any information is asked to contact police at Coleraine on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(IT/MH)