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Altnaveigh Orange Hall at Martin's Lane in Newry has once again been attacked with grafitti sprayed on walls and damage to a doorway. Over the years the hall has been vandalised on numerous occasions. Police are treating the incident as a sectarian hate crime.
Speaking on the attack on LOL 37 Inspector Macdonald said: “A report was received at around 11.15 am on Saturday morning, January 21 that damage was caused to a doorway and graffiti had been sprayed on the walls.
“Enquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, are ongoing, and anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information which could assist, is asked to contact police in Newry on 101, quoting reference number 688 21/01/23.”
Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor visited the hall this morning. Cllr Taylor said "This latest incident highlights that there are those within the community who remain intolerant of the continued physical presence of Orange and Protestant culture in the Newry area.
"It is extremely depressing that the Altnaveigh Orange Brethren endure relentless incidents of damage being caused to their Hall - they pose no threat to anybody and the hall plays an important role each year in hosting a service to remember the 6 Protestants who were murdered by the IRA in the 1922 incident known as the Altnaveigh Massacre.
"As part of the police investigation myself and lodge members have asked this latest incident to be treated as a hate crime. Local community and political leaders must also step up to the mark in preventing continued damage being caused to the hall."
MLA Liz Kimmins has also condemned the attack unreservedly. Ms Kimmins said "Those responsible do not represent the community. I would appeal to anyone with information about this vandalism to report it to the PSNI."
Police are seeking information on the incident and reports can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
