Graffiti attack on Rasharkin Orange Hall being treated as hate crime by PSNI

Chief Inspector Lucas said: “A report was received this morning, Friday 30th August, that graffiti had been sprayed outside the building, on the footpath and the road.

“It is believed at this stage that the damage was caused sometime overnight.

“Enquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, are ongoing, and anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information which could assist, is asked to contact police via 101, and quote reference number 360 of 30/08/24.”

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Causeway Coast and Glens TUV councillor Jonathan McAuley said: “On being made aware of this graffiti this morning I immediately contacted the PSNI and once they have investigated the scene I will be pressing the council to clean up this sinister vandalism.

“It is important to remember that there are many victims of IRA violence still in our community and it is particularly significant that the graffiti appeared just days before we as Orangemen and women mark Orange Victims' Day.

"This Sunday Orange brethren will attend services and events across Northern Ireland to remember the 339 members of the Institution who were murdered during the terrorist campaign, the vast majority by the IRA.

"1st September was chosen as Orange Victims' Day because on that date in 1975 IRA murderers stormed into Tullyvallen Orange Hall during a lodge meeting, and murdered four Orangemen. A fifth member subsequently died later as a result of the injuries sustained. There’s nothing glorious or laughable about that.”

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said: “This is a very sinister development clearly designed to intimidate and instil fear in the minority Unionist community of Rasharkin. I trust the police will act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice."

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston added: “I want to assure the minority community in Rasharkin that my office is there for them to assist them in any way we can in the days going forward.”