Cllr Sharon McAleer

SDLP Mid Ulster Councillor Sharon McAleer said a flammable substance was set alight and used to spell out the name of the loyalist paramilitary group.

“The sectarian vandalism of the pitch at Augher GAA grounds on Annaghilla Road is a disgraceful attack on the local community,” said Cllr. McAleer.

“It is vandalism of a sporting facility used by many young people in the local area.

“It is also, clearly, an attempt to heighten community tensions at a time of increased uncertainty about the future of the political process.

“I urge anyone who saw anything suspicious at the GAA grounds in Augher on or around September 1, or with any information about this sectarian attack, to contact the police immediately.