An Orange Hall was attacked by arsonists today hours before an estimated 500,000 take to the streets for the traditional Twelfth of July celebrations.
The hall at Main Street in Rasharkin, Co Antrim, was targeted shortly before 4am said police.
There was scorch damage to the outside of the building and paint was also thrown around the premises.
Meanwhile the Fire and Rescue Service said they were called out more than 100 times when traditional 11th Night bonfires got out of control or threatened buildings.
Between 6pm and 1am they attended 116 incidents. During the busiest period - the hour before midnight, their control room was handling a call every 75 seconds.
Although the majority of calls were dealt with without incident, crews came under attack by stone-throwing youths on three occasions. There was no damage or injuries reported.
SDLP MLA Declan O'Loan warned of the danger of a "downward spiral" in the area.
"There has been a sequence of incidents, each serious in its own right, but even more seriously they could lead to worse incidents if cool heads do not prevail," he said.
"We have seen serious attacks on Sé Ogs pub in the main street and on the Orange Hall, and now a bomb scare has led to the re-routing of Twelfth parades. I deplore all of these incidents. The danger is that they will produce a sense of anger among some on both sides which could lead to worse.”
PA