LAST UPDATE | 31 Oct 2022

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland are treating an arson attack in Derry as a hate crime.

PSNI detectives are appealing for information on the attack at an Orange Hall on the Aghagaskin Road near Magherafelt yesterday.

Police received a report shortly before 5pm that Ballynougher Orange Hall was on fire. Officers attended along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the blaze.

Detective Sergeant Brian Reid said: “We believe at this time that entry was forced through a window at the rear of the property and that accelerant has then been used to start the fire which has left the building extensively damaged. An investigation is underway and we are treating the incident as a hate crime.

Another burning Orange Hall, youths chanting pro-IRA songs, thugs desecrating memorials to victims. Some republicans seem intent on crushing the unionist spirit. We will not respond to this provocation with violence. We will respond with a solid determination to stand our ground. pic.twitter.com/JMsasc33v7

— Jeffrey Donaldson MP (@J_Donaldson_MP) October 30, 2022

“I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Aghagaskin Road area on Sunday, or who captured dash-cam footage from the area which could assist us with our investigation, to contact detectives at Cookstown on 101, quoting reference number 1480 30/10/22.

“A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

SDLP MLA for the area Patsy McGlone condemned the attack.

He said: “The people who carried out this disgraceful incident do not represent people in this area who live and work alongside their neighbours in a spirit of respect and tolerance.

“Everyone must be free to celebrate their culture and traditions without having to worry about being subjected to this kind of attack. This incident should give those who seek to rise tensions in the North for their own ends significant pause. We need to get back to focusing on the things that bring us together and not issues which drive us apart.”

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said: “NIFRS were called to reports of a building fire in Ballynougher Orange Hall, Aghagaskin Road, Magherafelt at 16.52pm on Sunday 30th October 2022.

“Fire Appliances from Maghera, Magherafelt and Springfield, an Aerial Appliance, a Water Tanker, 29 Fire-fighters and 2 Officers were in attendance. Firefighters used 4 Jets to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The incident was closed at 20.14pm.”