Ballynahinch Masonic Hall attacked in broad daylight

David Perry, secretary of the Dromore Road lodge, told the News Letter that two double glazed windows had been completely penetrated with large stones or bricks. A third window was also damaged.

“That would require some force and it is a clean site around the hall,” he said.

”Whoever did this would have had to bring large stones with them to carry out the attack.”

Police are appealing for information following the incident. They said a lone man smashed the hall’s windows at around 3.30pm on Thursday.

“The man was described as being around 30 years old, of medium build with dark hair and was wearing a dark denim jacket,” police said.

Mr Perry said the hall had been targeted with graffiti some six months ago.

“However, the local GP surgery and a nearby church were also targeted at the same time so we are assuming that it was kids carrying out a prank,” he said.

“Our hall is used by the community. A women’s keep fit class takes place in it every week.

“We had to board up the windows and clean up but they went ahead as normal.

“We will replacing the windows as soon as possible.

“We are at a total loss as to why we have been targeted.”

He thought it was unusual that a lone adult male would attack the hall in broad daylight in such a premeditated manner.

Police told the News Letter they are not treating this week’s attack as a hate crime.

Inspector Mark Peters appealed for anyone with any information about the damage to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.