The flagpole has been damaged and Orange Standard flag stolen at Mossley Orange Hall
Vandalism at an Orange Hall in Co Antrim has been condemned by local politicians.
The flagpole at Mossley Orange Hall on Doagh Road, Mossley, has been damaged with the standard flag being stolen following a recent incident, with local politicians encouraging anyone with any information about it to contact police.
UUP South Antrim MP Robin Swann said: “The destruction of the flagpole and theft of the Orange Standard flag at Mossley Orange Hall is incredibly disappointing to see and should be condemned by all.
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“This vandalism, carried out last night, is completely unacceptable and I urge anyone with information to speak to PSNI. My colleagues have been in contact with the Lodge following this attack on their hall, and I will be offering to give my support however I can.” Antrim and Newtownabbey UUP Councillor Robert Foster added: “I totally condemn this hate crime. There has never been an incident at this Hall before. The Hall is a resource used by the whole local community, and recently the District and Lodge have held proactive outreach nights exploring the origins and history of the Orange Order as part of their work to strengthen community relations. “The lodge will have my full support and assistance in replacing the flagpole and flag as quickly as possible.”
Police have said they have received a report of criminal damage at the orange hall in Newtownabbey and believe the incident took place between 11pm on Thursday, August 14 and 9am on Friday, August 15. They are treating the case as a sectarian hate crime.
Inspector Williamson said: “It is believed that the damage and theft occurred at some point overnight between 11pm on Thursday, 14th August and 9am on Friday, 15th August. “Enquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, are ongoing. “We would appeal to anyone with information to police on 101, quoting reference 457 of 15/08/25.“A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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