Finlay condemns sectarian attacks on Orange halls

Police said red paint was thrown at Drumcon some time over night on Sunday/Monday and they confirmed they are treating it as sectarian.

Crime scene investigators visited the scene on Monday and police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 08456008000 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

Police are also investigating an arson attack at Ballymaconnelly on Sunday, which caused scorch damage to the front door.

Cllr Finlay said that there was a need for the Northern Ireland Office to intervene in the area to protect residents’ and property.

“I condemn these latest attacks and call upon the Northern Ireland Office to intervene as these attacks have been a regular event across the north Antrim area.

“Damage to halls costs the local Protestant community a considerable amount of money in repairing any damage done to property. It also exacerbates fear and tension in the local community which is not helpful to community relations.

“I have raised this issue with my party colleagues, including the First Minister, Peter Robinson and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the past and I will continue to pursue this issue until such attacks stop.

“We need leadership from the Republican community who are willing to stand idly by whilst these attacks happen only for them to jump out in protest when a Catholic home, hall or church is attacked. I condemn any attack on any one, Protestant or Catholic, but the longer these attacks go on the more tension builds up,” the DUP councillor said.