Orange hall destoyed in 'arson attack'
AN Orange hall in Co Tyrone has been completely destroyed in an overnight fire.
Police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the blaze at the building in Pomeroy.
At approximately 3am on Thursday, emergency services were made aware of the fire on the Donaghmore Road which has resulted in substantial damage.
Bonn Orange hall is used by two local Orange lodges and a Royal Black Perceptory as well as a pipe band and a flute band.
It was previously extensively damaged in an arson attack in November 2008.
A spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge said: "This is another serious attack on the Protestant and Orange culture and must be condemned by all right thinking people.
"We would appeal to everyone in the Orange Order and its supporters not to fall into the trap of allowing this to increase community tension.
"The only way to deal with this attack and continuing attacks on our halls is to work with the police in trying to catch the culprits."
A senior police officer claimed the attack was "an attempt to trigger an escalation of community tension in the area".
Supt Alywin Barton said: "Provoking a reaction, causing injury and damaging property is all that those behind these attacks have to offer – and that is in stark contrast to the positive contribution that cultural and sporting facilities make to community life, particularly in rural areas."
Local fire service commander Michael Flanagan told the BBC: "On arrival the building was well alight and we had four crews in attendance.
"We had a total of 16 men in two pumping appliances and two specialist appliances - one aerial appliance - to tackle the blaze.
"It's a two-storey Orange hall building and due to the intensity of the fire the building was substantially damaged."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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