Flag plans up in smoke

Just weeks before the highlight of the calendar year for many unionists, Paul Henderson wholesalers in Coleraine - formerly Walkers - was extensively damaged in a blaze which police are treating as arson.

Unionists had been planning on purchasing several hundred Union Jacks and Ulster flags from the business to deck out loyalist communities on the eve of the Twelfth.

But with that no longer an option, many are desperately trying to get their hands on flags through less conventional means such as the internet.

Indeed one prominent loyalist told the Times he had ordered 60 online which were due in the province in the next few days.

However, while he was able to secure Union Jacks with little difficulty, he has struggled to track down Ulster flags.

Another loyalist told the Times the fire had thrown pre-Twelfth celebrations into turmoil.

"It is a real race against the clock to get the flags in time for the Twelfth," he said.

"Ideally we wanted them up for the start of July but that is going to be very tricky now.

"I know some boys are scouring the internet but there's no guarantee they will be here in time.

"If we can't get this sorted north Antrim could be a whole lot less colourful this time around."

The business was renowned for selling a wide-range of goods at discounted prices.

As well as Union Jacks and Ulster flags, the store also sold band poles, wigs and other regalia.

Irish tricolours were also available for sale.

Police have appealed for information after the retail unit in County Londonderry was damaged in the arson attack.

The premises, on an industrial estate at Gateside Road, Loguestown, was set on fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

At one stage, 33 firefighters were tackling the blaze which broke out at the building.

Police said the building sustained extensive damage.

Anyone with any information regarding the fire should contact police on 0845 6008000.