Unionist and nationalist politicians have condemed an attack on a Co Armagh Orange Hall which was destroyed in a suspected petrol bomb attack last night.
After a week of relative calm in the province during the Orange Order's Twelfth of July celebrations, arsonists attacked Templemore Orange Hall last night near Lurgan in Co Armagh.
Police and fire crews were called to the hall on the Kilmore Road at about 11.15pm.
Officers believe a number of petrol bombs were thrown at the building and appealed for witnesses to come forward. Democratic Unionist MP David Simpson and nationalist SDLP Assembly member Dolores Kelly, who both represent the area, condemned those behind the attack.
Mr Simpson said it was not the first time the hall had been targeted. "This, I believe, may be the second time it has been burnt down," the Upper Bann MP said. I understand about 10 or 12 years ago it was burnt down.
"It is completely gutted and is, I believe, a big loss to people in this area. They used it as a local community meeting hall.
"Speaking to the Master and the Deputy Master of the lodge, I am certain they are as resilient as before and this hall will be replaced as it was before." Ms Kelly, a member of the North's
Policing Board, said she condemned the attack without reservation. "I would want to appeal for calm right across the community," the Upper Bann MLA said. "It is sad there are still those who live in our community who wish to stir up sectarian hatred."
The incident was also condemned by Sinn Féin Assembly member John O'Dowd who said it was wrong and unacceptable.
"Sectarianism, irrespective of its source or who or what it is directed against, is wrong and I have no hesitation in condemning this attack," the Upper Bann MLA insisted.
The attack came almost a week after Orangemen in nearby Portadown were barred for the ninth year running from marching down the nationalist Garvaghy Road from Drumcree church.