McLaughlin condemns Rasharkin attack

Clr McLaughlin said: ““Unfortunately it has been quite common at this time of year for people to come into Rasharkin and try and remove a tricolour for the purposes of burning at the Twelfth bonfires and also to raise tensions.

“On this occasion a local person stopped close to the turnpike on Church Road to ascertain what the men concerned were doing and their car was attacked and damaged as a result.

“The men then sped off down the Lisnahunshin Road.

“No one wants to see tensions raised in the local community in the months ahead and obviously key to that is the cessation of the burning of any flag at bonfires.

“It is a blatantly sectarian practice and it obviously is a factor in incidents such as this taking place. “

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police ask that any criminal or suspicious activity is reported to us immediately on 0845 6008000 or in emergency on ‘999 ‘.

“While the victim of the criminal damage incident referred to has not to date reported the matter to police, it will be fully investigated should a report be made.

“We also urge people to show respect and tolerance to each other’s culture and tradition.”