Firebombed

Jenny Foulds • Published 20 Oct 2009 16:00

A HALL connected to this weekend's controversial Orange march has been petrol bombed.

Police are hunting the firebugs who threw two Molotov cocktail style bombs onto the roof of the Bankend Orange Halls in Dumbarton's Broadmeadow Industrial Estate.

Community leaders have expressed their shock at the fire attack, which caused smoke damage to the building, as well as scorching the roof.

Luckily no-one was injured in the incident, which occurred at some point between 8.40pm on Saturday and 5.30pm the following day.

This Saturday, the hall, which is owned by Dumbarton and District Orange and Purple Order, will host a prizegiving ceremony after the 160-strong Orange march, led by Pride of the Rock Flute Band, to mark its 21st anniversary.

The Pride of the Rock rents the hall from the Purple Order and uses it for weekly band practice.

Dumbarton councillor David McBride said he believes the incident will result in "heightened tensions" in the community.

He had lodged an objection against the walk, due to take place at 10am, on the grounds that the disruption and loss of business it could cause to the town would be too great.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 20 Oct 09

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