AN arson attack that caused significant damage to an Orange hall in Co Derry is being treated as a hate crime, police have confirmed.
An appeal for information on those behind the attack on the building outside Magherafelt comes as the Orange Order said it will "not be intimidated by the actions of those determined to raise tensions and cause community division".
The blaze at Ballynougher Orange Hall at Aghagaskin Road was reported to emergency services shortly before 5pm on Sunday, with four fire engines and an aerial appliance tasked by the NI Fire and Rescue Service to the scene.
It is understood that the hall had not held regular meetings for several years.
Police have said they believe a window at the rear of the building was forced open before an accelerant was used to start the fire, leaving the hall "extensively damaged".
"An investigation is underway and we are treating the incident as a hate crime," PSNI Detective Sergeant Brian Reid said.
"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."
Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan said those behind the attack must "face the full weight of the law", while an Orange Order spokesperson said it was "the latest in a long line of such incidents against the Orange community in recent years".
The spokesperson added: "The Orange Community in this area will not be intimidated by the actions of those determined to raise tensions and cause community division. We would however appeal that there should be no retaliation since such a response would be wrong and entirely counterproductive.
"This despicable act is being rightfully treated as a hate crime by the PSNI and must be condemned by all."
