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Orange hall attacked by arsonists | Orange hall attacked by arsonists |
(about 1 hour later) | |
An Orange hall has been attacked by arsonists in County Armagh, according to the organisation. | An Orange hall has been attacked by arsonists in County Armagh, according to the organisation. |
Police are investigating the incident at Ballyworkan Orange hall on the Tandragee Road in Portadown. | Police are investigating the incident at Ballyworkan Orange hall on the Tandragee Road in Portadown. |
The Orange Order said it was the fifth attack on halls in the area since August. | The Orange Order said it was the fifth attack on halls in the area since August. |
Portadown District Master Darryl Hewitt said: "There is clearly an orchestrated campaign by an organisation in this area." | Portadown District Master Darryl Hewitt said: "There is clearly an orchestrated campaign by an organisation in this area." |
He added: "The police and the Northern Ireland Office seem to be playing down the possibility of a deliberate campaign, but it seems obvious to everyone else. | |
"This is a very serious situation and we call for a more determined effort from the police to catch the culprits and prevent further attacks on the cultural traditions of the Protestant community." | "This is a very serious situation and we call for a more determined effort from the police to catch the culprits and prevent further attacks on the cultural traditions of the Protestant community." |
A PSNI spokeswoman said in response: "The PSNI condemns attacks and criminal damage on all property irrespective of where it occurs or which community is the victim. | |
'Concerns' | |
"We are aware of the concerns expressed by the Orange Order and want to assure them that we view these attacks seriously. | |
"Each incident is robustly investigated and all available evidence is obtained with a view to making any identified perpetrators accountable through the criminal justice system." | |
The spokeswoman added that the chief constable and his senior management team had met with Orange Order representatives. |