The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, August 25, when local Orange brethren also reported the removal of a Union flag from the building which had been erected to mark the Royal Black Institution’s last parading day of the marching season.

It is understood that police will interview the injured person - a 17-year-old member of Ogra Sinn Fein --in relation to that matter in due course.

Newcastle Sinn Fein councillor and MLA, Willie Clarke, said that it would be ‘inappropriate’ to speculate on who took down the union flag at this time as he stressed no one had been charged in connection with the matter to date.

He said his party was ‘looking into the matter’.

“This is not the type of behaviour we would ever condone and we have consistently condemned attacks on Orange Halls when and where they occur.

“In Newcastle, and throughout South Down, Sinn Fein activists and political representatives have played a very constructive role in promoting good community relations.

“During this year’s marching season we used whatever influence we had to ensure parades in Newcastle passed off peacefully.

“It is important that there is respect for both traditions and we have always been forthright in our condemnation of attacks on Orange Halls and places of worship,” he said.

DUP assembly member Jim Wells questioned what a Sinn Fein member was doing on top of the Orange Hall in the early hours of the morning, should that prove to be the case.

“This will raise suspicions the party’s condemnation of attacks on such halls is hollow.

“I believe attacks on halls are carried out by people who are strong supporters of Sinn Fein,” he said.

The PSNI confirmed that its officers had responded to reports of suspicious activity at the hall on Shimna Road shortly before 2.45am on Saturday August 25.

“It is believed that a male had fallen from the building,” a spokes-woman said. “A 17-year-old youth was taken to hospital by ambulance.”

 

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