Arsonists attack Orange hall

Rathfriland Orange hall; Regalia damaged in attack

Police have said a blaze at an Orange hall in County Down was a "sectarian arson attack".

Arsonists are thought to have started the fire in a room on the first floor of Rathfriland Orange hall.

A spokesman for the RUC said Orange Order regalia was removed from a cupboard before being set alight.

Divisional Fire Officer Jackie Kennedy said a prompt call from a member of the public had saved the hall from being seriously damaged.

Police have also described as sectarian a petrol bomb attack on a house in the same village which is believed to have been carried out some time between midnight and 0630 BST on Monday.

It is understood the device was thrown at the front door of the house, causing scorch damage to the door and surrounding walls.

It is not yet known whether the two attacks are linked.

The incident was condemned by the local Democratic Unionist Party assembly member, Jim Wells, who said it was part of a concerted campaign by "extreme nationalists" against Protestants.

"It seems to be a concerted campaign by extreme nationalists to intimidate Protestants out of Rathfriland," he said. Last year vandals smashed 17 windows at a nearby Orange hall in Ballyroney while a church hall was also damaged.

The attackers also targeted a Free Presbyterian church was also attacked.