Spate of Orange Hall attacks in Tyrone
Vandals have targeted two Co Tyrone Orange Halls in a spate of attacks over the weekend.
Strawletterdallon Hall in Newtownstewart was hit three times. Windows were broken on Friday evening, before a burning oil drum was pushed up against the rear door on Sunday morning. On Sunday evening, the Order said a third attempt to attack the hall was foiled.
Scorch damage was caused to the door and exterior wall.
Meanwhile Dergina Hall, between Aughnacloy and Ballygawley, had a number of windows broken and graffiti painted on the door in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“This hall is used very much by the community here,” Ivan Duff, a member of Dergina Lodge, told UTV. “It’s very disappointing when something like this happens and we are very sad about it.”
A statement from the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said a third hall, Mullnahunch, which is close to Dergina, also had graffiti sprayed on it over the weekend.
Grand Secretary Drew Nelson said the spate of attacks shows “a degree of organisation”, and has pointed the finger at dissidents.
“It seems too much of a co-incidence that we have had three halls attacked in the county over the weekend,” Mr Nelson said.
“We believe there is a degree of organisation behind these attacks that points towards republican paramilitary activity. This may be an attempt by republicans to stir up sectarian strife and we would appeal to everyone to keep calm.”
The PSNI said they are investigating the incidents. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity has been asked to contact local detectives.
