Politicians condemn 'petty, pointless senseless sectarian vandalism' at Mossley Orange Hall
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has said he is "incredibly disappointed" of the destruction of the flagpole and theft of the Orange Standard flag at Mossley Orange Hall in Newtownabbey.
It is believed that the vandalism took place on Thursday night (August 14), which Mr Swann has labelled as "completely unacceptable" and he has encouraged anyone with information to contact the PSNI.
He added: "My colleagues have been in contact with the Lodge following this attack on their hall, and I will be offering to give my support however I can.”
Antrim and Newtownabbey UUP Councillor Robert Foster, added: “I totally condemn this hate crime. There has never been an incident at this Hall before.
"The Hall is a resource used by the whole local community, and recently the District and Lodge have held proactive outreach nights exploring the origins and history of the Orange Order as part of their work to strengthen community relations.
"The Lodge will have my full support and assistance in replacing the flagpole and flag as quickly as possible."
DUP MLA Trevor Clarke hit out at the "cowardly" act of vandalism.
He posted on Facebook: "This is petty, pointless sectarian vandalism, and it’s part of a worrying trend of sectarian attacks on Orange Halls across Northern Ireland.
"I’ve spoken with the Lodge, they’ve contacted the PSNI, and I’ll also be writing to raise this with police leadership. We need stronger, visible efforts to tackle these blatantly sectarian crimes before tensions escalate further."
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of criminal damage at an Orange Hall in the Doagh Road area of Newtownabbey on Friday, 15th August.
“It was reported that a flag had been stolen and a flagpole damaged.”
Inspector Williamson said: "It is believed that the damage and theft occurred at some point overnight between 11pm on Thursday, 14th August and 9am on Friday, 15th August.
"Enquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, are ongoing.
"We would appeal to anyone with information to police on 101, quoting reference 457 of 15/08/25."
A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/