Politicians condemn attacks

Mr Paisley said those responsible were determined to destroy community relations in the area and drag the community backwards.

He added: “Once again the vulnerable Protestant community in Rasharkin is being singled out for attack. This is a shameful indictment on those who would seek to destroy this community and uproot and destroy what is left of community relations.

“It is essential that all those who have any responsibility for the community stand up and be counted. Whilst I am certain the leaders within the Protestant and Unionist community have said and done all that is possible, it is essential that Nationalist and Republican community and political leaders step up to the mark and from the Deputy First Minister down including all MLA's consistently and proactively condemn those responsible for this latest attack on civil and religious liberty.

“I urge them to do whatever they can to make sure those responsible for attacks and threats are made amenable to the law.”

North Antrim DUP MLA, Mervyn Storey said: “This is the forth attack in two months and the sixth this year and comes against a background of anti Protestant feeling being stirred up in the village by Republicans.

“This attack like all the rest is to be condemned and is yet another sad reminder that there are those still in society who even see bricks and mortar owned by protestants as something to be attacked.

“Since the Ballymaconnelly Band Parade we have seen an increased amount of statements and comments from Republicans including SF against the very expression of our Protestant tradition, such comments justify's in the minds of those who carried out this sectarian attack their actions.

“SF has failed in Rasharkin to show any kind of leadership to create the environment were such attacks could be consigned to the past.”

John Finlay, DUP, also condemned the latest attacks adding: "I totally condemn these attacks where republican slogans were smeared over Rasharkin Orange Hall. Protestants' are being singled out for attack in the village.

“Sinn Fein need to do more in order to combat this abuse of the protestant people. They must stand up to those within their community responsible for these attacks and work to smash the sectarian elements within their own community.

“Tensions are high in the area and protestants' in the minority in places like Rasharkin are being unfairly targeted and subject to sectarian intimidation.

“I appeal to any one with information to bring it forward to the PSNI and call on Daithi McKay to make a similar appeal. I also call on Government to act to resolve this.”

Police in Ballymoney are treating both attacks as sectarian hate crimes and are appealing for information on 08456008000 or phone the Crimestoppers number on 0800555111.

At Drumlee, police said the letters CIRA were sprayed in black paint and slogans painted in black on Rasharkin Hall said ‘RIP’, ‘1916’, ‘ONH’, ‘CIRA’ and ‘RIRA’.