A Broughshane community building had its windows smashed and was targeted with anti Sinn Fein graffiti overnight.
Images show the windows at the front of the Broughshane House building broken and graffiti daubed stating: “No SF IRA.”
The Main Street building is used by a number of community groups in the village, with a police cordon set up this morning and officers in attendance.
It’s understood the building houses the Broughshane and District Community Association, the organisation which extended the invite to the Sinn Fein councillor who turned on the Christmas lights.
The PSNI has confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Local Alliance Party MLA Sian Mulholland branded it “disgraceful”.
“Those responsible should face the full consequences of their actions. I have spoken to representatives of the organisations impacted by this and know they will continue their vital work for the community regardless,” she said.
“The nature of this attack is extremely concerning and must be robustly condemned by all. It’s clear the disappointing narrative regarding the recent Christmas lights switch-on has played a role in this attack.
“We need to see leadership in our community and those with a platform to condemn these actions and also be aware of how their statements carry weight and incite this sort of despicable behaviour.”
In a statement a charity which operates out of the building said they “cannot understand the mentality” of those behind the attack.
The Mid & East Antrim Agewell Partnership said: “It was with great sadness that our staff arrived at our offices in Broughshane House this morning to find the destruction caused to this community building overnight.
“Broughshane House is a vital community asset, run by dedicated staff and volunteers. It is home not only to our charity, Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership, but also to vulnerable adults who attend the George Sloan Centre’s Scope Programme daily.
“We cannot understand the mentality of those who would seek to damage their own community, and we appeal to everyone in Broughshane to come together in unity and support.
“We want to reassure the older people in our community that our services will continue without interruption.
“Anyone who needs support or assistance can contact us on 028 2565 8604.”
It comes after a row broke out over recent days after the Orange Order criticised the switching on of Christmas lights in the village.
Councillor Breanainn Lyness turned on the Christmas lights in Broughshane
Broughshane held its annual festive parade and lights ceremony last Saturday.
However, the local Orange lodge hit out over the presence of Councillor Breanainn Lyness.
The Ballymena Guardian reported that mayor Beth Adger was unable to attend and deputy mayor Mr Lyness took her place.
Mr Lyness told the Belfast Telegraph the event was “mostly welcoming” but he heard someone directing the phrase “Sinn Féin murderer” towards him.
The local Orange lodge expressed “deep disappointment and regret” at the Sinn Fein councillor’s attendance due to his party’s “historical association and stance.”
They said: “Christmas is a time for unity, togetherness, and goodwill to all, and we believe that such an important community event should reflect those values.
“The presence of a Sinn Féin representative, regardless of their position in the council, given the party’s historical associations and stance, namely their totally unrepentant position on the terrorism they waged in this country for 30 years is deeply divisive and inconsiderate to many in our community.
The smashed windows at Broughshane House PACEMAKER BELFAST 27/11/2024
“We are dismayed that an opportunity to bring people together and celebrate the festive season has instead been marred by a decision that fails to respect the sensitivities of all members of the community.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating a report of criminal damage at a property in the Main Street area of Broughshane on Wednesday 27th November.”
Sergeant Kelly added: “Police received a report at around 7.15am that windows of a business premises had been smashed along with graffiti sprayed on the premises’ wall within the Main Street area.
“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 176 27/11/24.”
Sinn Fein has been contacted.
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News Catch up – Wednesday 27th November