Orange Hall attacked and Chapel bomb hoax call

Police confirmed scorch damage was caused to the front of the Orange Hall on Saturday.

A spokesman said: “We believe it was a petrol bomb. Crime Scene Investigators took away the remains of a bottle for analysis.”There was also a hoax call in the early hours of Friday to the Parochial House in Rasharkin saying a bomb had been placed at St Mary’s Chapel.

A search was carried out and police declared it a hoax.

Regarding the petrol bomb attack on the Orange Hall, DUP councillor John Finlay, said: “I call upon Sinn Fein to do more and step up to the mark when it comes to these attacks.”

Cllr Finlay also condemned the Chapel hoax.

He said that he condemns it as he condemns any attack on any property, Catholic or Protestant.

Speaking last Friday Cllr Finlay said: “I condemn those responsible for this bomb threat on the Chapel in Rasharkin and call on anyone with information to bring it forward to the police.

“I condemn it as I have condemned the many attacks on Protestant homes and property as well as Catholic property, including GAA halls in the area.”

Meanwhile, Rasharkin Sinn Fein councillor and Policing Board member Daith McKay, MLA, condemned those behind the Chapel bomb hoax.

Mr McKay said: “This is just the latest episode of the ongoing campaign of intimidation and harassment being carried out by Unionist elements against residents in Rasharkin.

“We have seen an AOH Hall, the GAA club and private property belonging to nationalists attacked over recent weeks as a result of tensions being raised by Unionists in the run-up to the Ballymaconnelly parade.

“Although nothing was found it nevertheless has caused anger in the village and I would once more call on the public representatives of Unionism in North Antrim to unambiguously and unequivocally condemn those responsible and use their influence to have it stopped.

“I would also call on those within the Unionist community who have any information about who is responsible to bring it forward to the PSNI so that these unrepresentative individuals and groups can be brought before the courts,” said Mr McKay.

Police are appealing for information on both incidents and they can be contacted on 08456008000 or phone the Crimestoppers confidential freephone charity number on 0800555111.