Orange Order condemn band's bus being torched

The Orange Institution has condemned an arson attack on a bus belonging to a north coast flute band.

The order also condemned a separate graffiti attack on an Orange hall near Dungannon.

The Orange hall incident is believed to have occurred in the early hours of the morning.

An Orange Order spokesman said: “The arsonists responsible for the vile and premeditated attack on private transport in Dervock have nothing to offer society – only turmoil and discord. Such criminality, and the trail of destruction in its aftermath, is absolutely reprehensible and must be universally condemned.”

Reacting to the Newmills incident, a local spokesman said: “Such wanton vandalism is not reflective of community relations in the area. The minority rump responsible for attempting to stir up division have absolutely no support, and ought to be ashamed of their actions.”

Earlier this month, Grand Master Edward Stevenson publicly urged those engaging in deliberate criminality against Orange property to desist.

A total of 17 Orange halls have been targeted so far this year.

The Institution appealed for no retaliation, and urged anyone with any information in relation to the Dervock and Newmills attacks to contact the police.