Tensions Rise As Orange Hall Targeted

A weekend attack on a rural Orange Hall is being blamed on dissident republican elements.

Republican graffiti linked to the splinter group was daubed on the Bellaghy building on the Ballynease Road and several drainpipes were damaged.

Mid-Ulster DUP MLA Ian McCrea described the attack as "blatant bigotry" after the police made an appeal for information after the Co Londonderry hall was damaged.

"People who attack Orange halls are not just attacking a property but displaying their hatred for Protestants," Mr McCrea said.

"It is deeply worrying that there is so much bitterness towards Protestants and their culture in so many parts of Northern Ireland.

"Last Saturday, as families attending the Apprentice Boys parade in Londonderry came home, their cars were attacked in Rasharkin," he claimed, noting that Protestant families are being "systematically targeted" and throughout Northern Ireland, Loyal Order properties are being attacked on a weekly basis.

The Bellaghy incident was reported to the police shortly after 11.30am yesterday.

The PSNI has asked that anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area or has any information should contact the police on 0845 6008000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, local politicians have condemned attacks on businesses in another Co Londonderry village which resulted in 20 windows being broken.

The attacks on Catholic-owned premises in Garvagh have been blamed on loyalists.

The police have also appealed for information following this incident which happened in Main Street in Garvagh in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Windows were broken in a butcher's shop, cafe, a hotel and public house between 3am and 3.30am. It is understood that the incidents are being treated by the PSNI as sectarian.

Police will be examining CCTV footage from the area and have appealed for anyone with any information to contact them.

East Londonderry SDLP MLA John Dallat said a number of Catholic owned premises had their windows smashed by what he called a "loyalist element".

He added he hoped that the PSNI would be successful in bringing the people responsible for the attacks before the courts.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard said: "People are disgusted and obviously see this as sectarian.

"I think that it reveals the most pathetic attitude and the difference between the attackers and those people who work hard and contribute to the community is there for all to see," he said.

(BMcC/KMcA)