The paint attack on Crewe Orange Hall in County Antrim. Picture by Press Eye

The paint attack on Crewe Orange Hall in County Antrim. Picture by Press Eye

The paint attack on Crewe Orange Hall in County Antrim. Picture by Press Eye

The paint attack on Crewe Orange Hall in County Antrim. Picture by Press Eye

An Orange Hall has been targeted with paint in what police are treating as a hate crime in Upper Ballinderry.

Police said sometime overnight on Saturday June 4 brown paint was thrown over the windows and wall of the hall in the Crewe Road area.

Constable Rebecca Smyth said: “Police are treating this as a hate crime and I am appealing for anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact Police in Lisburn on 101.

"Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Orange Order has condemned those responsible for the attack.

In a statement it said the Lisburn incident is the eighth reported attack on Orange property so far this year in Northern Ireland.

A spokesman said: “The mindless individuals behind this cowardly act have nothing to offer society and should be ashamed of their actions.

“This hall, like many others across the Province, serves as a centre for events and social engagement in the locality. Such moronic activity is an attack on the entire community and serves absolutely no purpose.”

He added: “Clearly there remains a legacy of hatred against the Orange Order amongst a small minority, who are still prepared to manifest their hatred. The vast majority of the community utterly rejects such sectarianism and criminality.”

"The Orange Institution has appealed for anyone with any information in relation to the Upper Ballinderry attack to contact the police as a matter of urgency."

Belfast Telegraph