Police investigate 'possible link' between Orange Hall and GAA club graffiti

Police are investigating a possible link between two reports of criminal damage after graffiti was sprayed outside an Orange Hall and a GAA club in County Antrim.

The two incidents in Rasharkin are being treated as sectarian hate crimes.

The damage to the Orange Hall was reported to police on Sunday night, and a link between it and "a similar report" a GAA club earlier that day is now being investigated.

Police said enquiries were ongoing and they are appealing for witnesses.

St Mary's Rasharkin GAC, located on Townhill Road, said in a social media post it was "aware of graffiti sprayed onto the club gates".

"To be targeted in this manner is disappointing. Sectarian graffiti is wrong in any setting and should be condemned.

"Our club is proud to provide an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds to enjoy Gaelic Games in the village."

The club added that it was "particularly disappointing" as "hundreds of our young people have been busy enjoying our games" over the weekend.

The attack on the Orange Hall, located on Main Street, happened at about 23:00 GMT on Sunday.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland "condemn any attacks on Orange Halls".

"But sadly it is normal at this time of year. There are some who wish to drag us back to the past and show no toleration towards Orange culture," the statement said.

"Such attacks are not justified on any property whatsoever. We would call for anyone with any information to call the PSNI."