Investigation Launched After Arson Attack On Orange Hall In Newry

Police have launched an investigation following an arson attack on an Orange Hall near Newry.

Tyres were stacked against the rear of Altnaveigh Orange hall on Saturday evening, 25 February.

Damage was caused to the roof of the property after the tyres were set on fire.

Partial smoke damage was also sustained to the inside of the building.

Emergency services attended the scene and put the blaze out.

A spokesperson from the Orange Order condemned the attack.

He said: "This is a truly sickening incident and one which clearly had a clear sectarian motive. The moronic hate-filled individuals responsible are a blight on the local community and ought to be ashamed of their actions.

"Such naked bigotry should not be acceptable - yet, the continuous cycle of attacks on Orange property is reflective of the unending demonisation of the Institution, still very much prevalent in today's society. This is intolerable and must not be allowed to continue."

Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said: "The attack on Altnaveigh Orange hall was wrong and I condemn it.

"Thankfully no one was injured in this incident.

"Attacks of this nature serve no purpose whatsoever and are not representative of the local area."

Alliance Newry and Armagh Assembly candidate Jackie Coade said: "This sort of mindless vandalism achieves nothing but to raise tensions in the community and damage relations. Any right-thinking person will condemn it.

"Nothing positive can be gained by these sorts of incidents. We need to tolerate and respect each other's cultures and leave such senseless acts in the past."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

(CD/LM)