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O’Loan condemns arson attack

Declan O'Loan

Declan O'Loan

SDLP Councillor Declan O’Loan has condemned an arson attack at a house on the Galgorm Road on Sunday night, which he says was “racist”.

Speaking out yesterday (Monday), Mr O’Loan stated: “This was a very serious attack which could easily have led to loss of life. I hope and expect that the police will investigate it as attempted murder.

“It is absolutely certain that the motivation was racist. A resident who is from South Africa was the target of the attack. Graffiti of a very explicit and unpleasant racist nature was painted on the building.”

“It is important that we send out the message that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable in Ballymena,” said the SDLP Councillor.

He added: “The best way to do that is to apprehend the culprits and put them before the courts. There are several thousand people here from other countries and they play a valued part in our community. We need to reassure them that they are welcomed in Ballymena.”


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Weather for Ballymena

Wednesday 22 May 2013

5 day forecast

Today

Cloudy

Cloudy

Temperature: 4 C to 11 C

Wind Speed: 20 mph

Wind direction: North west

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Light showers

Light showers

Temperature: 5 C to 8 C

Wind Speed: 25 mph

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