Graffiti painted on the walls of an Orange Hall in Coleraine, Co Derry overnight has been described by police as a “hate crime”.
Police discovered the damage to the building, which is in the Main Street area of Rasharkin, shortly before 2.30am on Saturday morning.
A Republican slogan reading “Ireland unfree shall never be at peace” is scrawled across the front wall in black spray paint.
“This incident is being treated as a hate crime and I would ask anyone who noticed any unusual activity in the area or who has any information to contact police at Coleraine Station on 101,” Inspector Samuel McConnell said.
People can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay condemned the graffiti as “totally wrong”, saying:
“This was senseless action and does not represent the views of the local community in any way.
“The local community want to move forward and do not support his type of behaviour.”