Fire at Orange Hall in Co Derry being treated as hate crime

A fire that extensively damaged an Orange hall in Magherafelt, Co Derry is being treated as a hate crime, police have said.

Firefighters tackled the blaze at the premises on the Aghagaskin Road on Sunday evening.

“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,” PSNI Det Sgt Brian Reid said. “An investigation is under way and we are treating the incident as a hate crime.”

Det Sgt Reid appealed to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity around the Aghagaskin Road on Sunday, or who captured dash-cam footage from the area that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

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DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and UUP leader Doug Beattie were among the politicians who condemned the incident.

Keith Buchanan, a DUP Mid Ulster MLA, attended the scene on Sunday evening. He said it “speaks volumes” that the hall had metal window guards due to concerns it could potentially be attacked.

“There is no place for such hatred in society. The men and women of that lodge have every right to exist in Mid Ulster and live peaceably,” he said.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said firefighters were called to Ballynougher Orange Hall at 4.52pm on Sunday.

“Fire appliances from Maghera, Magherafelt and Springfield, an aerial appliance, a water tanker, 29 firefighters and two officers were in attendance. Firefighters used four jets to extinguish the fire,” it said.