Two arrested then released over Dunloy hall graffiti incidents

Less than 48 hours after the hall was given a fresh coat of paint to wipe out previous slogans, the building was targeted on two separate occasions.

On Monday a police spokesman in Ballymoney confirmed that two females had been arrested after two searches had been carried out. The juveniles were interviewed and released on police bail.

The incident was one of a number throughout the Twelfth period and North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that the period has seen an increase in tension in the Rasharkin area and stated that more needs to be done to reduce tension. He also condemned the grafitti attack on Dunloy Orange Hall.

Mr McKay said: “What residents found especially abhorrent was the local Orange bonfires where pictures of local woman Leanne Peacock were placed to be burned. “This practice is truly barbaric and clearly instills hatred in young people attending these events against members of the Catholic/nationalist community. Otherwise the placing of these posters - which clearly marks out Leanne and other representatives as targets – would not take place. The silence from Unionist politicians concerning this practice is deafening.

“Two attacks on cars took place in the village, belonging to a Catholic resident and Protestant resident respectively, leaving both vehicles with considerable damage. That is of concern and there is an onus on anyone with influence to try and reduce tensions in the period ahead.”

Speaking about the recent attack on Dunloy Orange Hall Mr McKay continued: “The daubing of grafitti on Dunloy Orange Hall is to be condemned and residents in the village are of the opinion that not only is it sectarian and wrong but it leaves this part of the village as an eyesore. Those carrying out these repeated attacks should desist immediately, they do not represent anyone living here.”