Sectarian attacks investigated in NI

The PSNI is investigating suspected sectarian attacks on a hall belonging to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and an Orange Hall…

The PSNI is investigating suspected sectarian attacks on a hall belonging to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and an Orange Hall in Co Antrim last night.

Both halls were defaced with graffiti and an attempt was made to burn the Orange Hall.

The halls have been targeted in a series of attacks in recent months - in July the Hibernians hall was broken into and the Orange Hall had a petrol bomb thrown inside.

The damage caused to the Hibernians hall on Rosnashane Road in Ballymoney was discovered after 9am this morning. Police said the building had been targeted overnight and daubed with sectarian graffiti.

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The Orange Hall at Rasharkin had also been daubed with graffiti and a small fire started at the front of the building at around 10.30pm. It caused damage to external paintwork but did not spread inside.

Tensions are running high in the area over an Orange parade due to take place in Rasharkin next Friday and a counter-demonstration by nationalist residents.