Orange Hall and Parish Centre attacked
POLICE have confirmed they are investigating damage being caused to a barrier at Dunloy Orange Hall and also fencing at Dunloy Parish Centre near St Joseph’s Church in the village.
The PSNI said the incidents are believed to have happened around the same time.
A gate was struck by a vehicle and a pillar was damaged at Dunloy Orange Hall and in a separate incident chain link fencing at Dunloy Parish Centre were also damaged by a vehicle.
A PSNI spokesman said: “Because the Orange Hall incident is perceived to be sectarian that is one line of enquiry being looked at but it is worth point out damage was done around the same time to the chain link fence at the Parish Hall.
“Both incidents involved vehicles and they could be related. Both incidents could also be related to anti-social motoring which has been ongoing in the village. The anti-social motoring issue has been raised by community representatives.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 08456008000 or phone the Crimestoppers number on 0800555111.
Ballymoney Mayor, DUP councillor John Finlay – who is also a member of the loyal orders in Dunloy – has expressed his outrage at another “mindless attack” on the Orange Hall.
Speaking to the Times, Cllr Finlay said: “I wish to voice my outrage at another mindless attack on Dunloy Orange Hall.
The gate of the hall was prised, obviously by the help of some vehicle or pulling mechanism. It seems clear that their intention was to ram the doors of the hall itself.
“These mindless thugs, who have no real place in society, need to be brought to justice. They represent none of the decent citizens of our community.
“If they think they will do away with Protestantism in Dunloy, they are sadly mistaken. We will not be bullied or intimidated, but remain steadfast.
“I therefore ask the community to contact the PSNI. Surely someone seen this taking place and every bit of information is vital in gathering evidence to bring the perpetrators to the courts and make an example of them.”
Meanwhile, the first loyal orders parade of the year was held in Dunloy on Sunday.
The Parades Commission restricted it to the area on the Station Road outside the Orange Hall grounds and police said there were no reports of any incidents.
