Attacks on Orange Halls 'sickening' on Somme weekend
Police are investigating attacks on two Orange Halls overnight in Banbridge, Co Down as sectarian hate crimes.
The Orange Order said republican graffiti and paint were daubed on Tanvally and Corbet halls in the early hours of Friday.
The organisation condemned the incidents and said that “given the close proximity of both properties it is believed the criminal acts were clearly orchestrated”.
It comes after an attempted arson attack at Muckery Orange Hall in Craigavon, Co Armagh last weekend.
The latest attacks bring the total number of halls targeted so far this year to 12 and the Order described them as “particularly sickening” given that it is the weekend of the Somme centenary.
A spokesperson added: “The mindless morons responsible for such callous sectarianism ought to be ashamed of their actions and must be held accountable.
“Their sinister exploits are in no way reflective of the excellent community relations in the Banbridge area, and indeed the members of both lodges are particularly active in their locality.
“The entire community must now unite in condemnation of these incidents.”