Fury as tractor used in attacks on Orange halls
UNIONISTS have hit out after two Orange halls in north Antrim were attacked at the weekend.
In a third attack, six bottles of paint smashed against the front wall of Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast in the early hours of Sunday.
Granagh Independent Orange Hall on the Mullin Road in Rasharkin was the first to be attacked sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning.
A tractor was used to knock down a wall outside the hall, and the building's door was damaged.
Later, Tullaghans Independent Orange Hall on the Bravallen Road in Ballymoney was attacked on Saturday evening around 5.10pm.
It is believed a tractor was used to force open a door. Tables, chairs and drums were destroyed as well as several Union Flags set on fire.
A spokesman for the Orange Order said it was "extremely concerned" about the attacks.
TUV leader Jim Allister said the actions of those responsible are "a very public manifestation of cultural hatred" from local residents.
"The quantity and nature of the serial attacks on Orange halls around Rasharkin are such that they could not be taking place without local community support," he said.
"Using a tractor to knock down the wall and trying to break down the door is not a random or inconspicuous act.
"Rather, it is a very public manifestation of cultural hatred from which local residents do not apparently dissent as none are exercised to report such to the police."
Ballymoney DUP councillor John Finlay described the attacks as "blatantly sectarian" and an "attempt to stir tensions in the area".
"Orange halls in the Rasharkin and Dunloy area have been under increased attack this year as local republicans seek to heighten anxieties," he said.
"I call for leadership to be offered by the local republican community, particularly Sinn Fein. These events have been happening under their watch and if they are truly committed to a 'shared future' then they would offer leadership and maturity in preventing attacks and reducing tensions."
Police have said they are treating the attacks as sectarian and investigating the possibility that a tractor was used.
A spokeswoman said there was a larger than normal number of people in the area at the times of the two attacks and appealed for anyone who may have witnessed large vehicles and suspicious behaviour to contact officers.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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