Graffiti attack on Orange Hall

The appeal comes after a report of criminal damage at Lawrencetown Orange Hall on the Banbridge Road on Saturday February 21.

Graffiti, apparently sectarian in nature, was discovered on the door of the hall, as well as on the ground of the car park.

Constable James Murphy explained: “Graffiti of a sectarian nature was sprayed on the doors and on the ground at the car park of the Orange Hall sometime between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday (February 21).

“Police are treating this incident as a hate crime and I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or who has any information which could assist with our enquiries to contact officers in Banbridge on 101 quoting reference number 790230215.”

It is believed that the attack may be related to similar incidents of graffiti, primarily on the sign belonging to Bannvalley Community Anglers, a local group who offer angling services disabled people.

It is understood that the Bannvalley Angling Club recently created a new pathway at the side of the Orange Hall that was attacked, with photographs showing the work appearing on their Facebook page.

Last year the Leader reported that the sign had been spray painted over for the sixth time.

At the time the group said they would not be deterred by the prolonged campaign of criminal damage.

In January 2014, following the latest graffiti attack on their sign, the club issued a message to those responsible on its Facebook page saying: “We as Bannvalley Community Anglers are here to provide fishing for the entire community so your malicious attack on our property is only an attack on the whole community and it will make us more determined to push on with our aims and objectives.”

Anyone with information about the latest incident of criminal damage should contact the police in Banbridge on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, members of the public can also pass information to the police anonymously by contacting the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.