Police charge three teenagers over attacks on Apprentice Boys hall in

POLICE have arrested three teenage boys over recent sectarian attacks on the headquarters of the Apprentice Boys in Derry.

The juveniles, who are all aged 15, were charged with criminal damage offences between Tuesday, July 23 and Friday, July 26.

The charges relate to recent attacks on the Memorial Hall on Society Street.

A number of paint bombs were thrown at the building ahead their annual Relief of Derry parade in a few weeks and work on the doors had just been completed.

Sinn Féin politicians and nationalist community representatives condemned the attacks.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said last week: “The Apprentice Boys of Derry play a positive role in the life of Derry.

“Recent shameful attacks on their Memorial Hall must be condemned.”

Republican and nationalist politicians later visited the hall in a show of solidarity with the ABOD against the attacks

Following the arrests and charging over the damage to the Memorial Hall, police are urging parents to monitor where their children are at all times.

Local PSNI Chief Inspector Jon Burrows: “I would appeal to parents to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing.

Chief Inspector Jon Burrows appeals to parents to know where they are at all times

“Parents need to talk to children about the possible consequences if they are found committing any offence as it could result in them having a life impacting criminal record.

“Anyone witnessing incidents of criminal damage should report it to police immediately on 0845 600 8000.”