Adams in plea over Orange Halls

An Orange hall was attacked in Crumlin

Attacks on Orange Halls are motivated by sectarianism and must end, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said.

He was speaking following three weekend attacks on halls used by the Protestant loyal order, which it described as part of an "organised campaign".

"Such attacks are motivated by sectarianism and have no place in this society," Mr Adams said.

"There can be no justification whatsoever for this sort of behaviour. It is unacceptable and must end now."

He said that anyone with information on the "criminal actions" should contact the police.

The latest incident happened on Sunday in Crumlin, County Antrim, where three petrol bombs were thrown at Ballynadrentagh Orange Hall on Diamond Road at about 2300 GMT.

The petrol bombs did not reach the building. Grand secretary Drew Nelson spoke, at the weekend, of an "organised campaign" to destroy Orange Halls.

It follows fires in Portadown on Friday night and in Ballinderry on Sunday.

'Blow to heart'

Mr Nelson said more than 30 halls had been attacked by arsonists so far this year.

"We find it very disappointing, because over the past two or three years we have been working very hard to improve community relations," he said.

"It is a great disappointment to us that these attacks are still going on."

DUP MP William McCrea said: "Those who carry out such attacks know that they are delivering a blow right to the heart of the Protestant community.

"There is clearly an orchestrated campaign being waged by those who are intolerant of the loyal orders and are intent on stirring up sectarian tensions within society."

He asked the police to set aside funds to investigate such crimes.