SEVERAL BUSINESSES owned by Catholics in a Co Derry village were damaged yesterday in early morning attacks which police said were being treated as sectarian crimes.
More than 20 windows in a public house, butcher’s shop and cafe were smashed some time around 3am in Garvagh.
Police appealed for information and said they were viewing CCTV footage of the area.
SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat blamed loyalists and said it was like a scene from Germany before the second World War when Jewish businesses were singled out for attack.
Mr Dallat, who visited the scene during the night, said: “This loyalist element has been systematically trashing the village for years.”
The MLA said just a month ago a loyalist mob had painted new kerbstones and other property in Garvagh red, white and blue.
Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard said people in Garvagh were disgusted at the sectarian attacks.
“Garvagh has had this negative sectarian image down through the years. Everyone must play their part to get rid of that outdated strain from the town.”
An Orange Hall and a hall belonging to the Ancient Order of Hibernians have been damaged in rival sectarian attacks in Co Antrim. Both had graffiti daubed on them and there was an attempt to burn the Orange Hall.