Antrim Orange Hall Vandalised

An Orange Hall in County Antrim has been daubed with republican graffiti, including 'IRA' slogans.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has condemned the attack on Castlerobin Orange hall, located outside Lisburn.

The Orange Order says the attack is the seventh reported on Orange property so far this year.

It said the hall was destroyed three times during the Troubles in separate arson attacks.

Grand Secretary Drew Nelson said: "This is another sickening hate crime which bears all the hallmarks of a deliberate sectarian attack.

"Such criminality is typical of the constant onslaught by republicans on our Institution, focused not only on Orange property, but also our cultural expression, notably targeting our traditional parades.

"This is clearly an attempt to heighten tensions ahead of the Twelfth of July in the warped mindset of those responsible – they must not be allowed to succeed."

The senior Orangeman called for anyone with information in relation to the incident to contact police immediately.

The Order has said there were a total of 24 separate attacks on Orange halls and property in 2013, resulting in only one conviction.

Earlier this week, Inver Orange hall in Co Fermanagh was re-opened three years after being destroyed by arsonists.

(IT/CD)