Orange hall attacked by arsonists

The Orange Order said it was the fifth attack on halls in the area

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.

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."

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."

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.

The lodge's banner was damaged

Security Minister Paul Goggins said the attack was "sickening and cowardly".

"I have had a number of meetings with the Orange Order in relation to attacks on Orange halls and I intend to meet with representatives of the police and the Orange Order again in the coming days, during which this overnight attack will be discussed in more detail," he said.

Sinn Fein assembly member John O'Dowd said: "I would condemn this attack wholeheartedly and without reservation. All such attacks are wrong and should stop immediately."