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Vehicles in Armagh colours set on fire in 'sectarian-related hate crime'

SDLP councillor Thomas O'Hanlon posted images of the burned vehicles on social media and said he was 'disgusted and heartbroken'
SDLP councillor Thomas O'Hanlon posted images of the burned vehicles on social media and said he was 'disgusted and heartbroken'

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating after two vehicles painted to support Armagh's senior football team were set on fire early this morning.

Both incidents were being treated as a "sectarian-related hate crime and as arson", the PSNI said in a statement.

Shortly after 1.35am, police received a report of a lorry on fire in the Markethill Road area of Co Armagh.

It said that at around 2.25am, a report was received of a car on fire on the Ballymacnab Road.

Images on social media showed both vehicles had been painted orange and white with messages of support for the 2024 All-Ireland winning team.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Bróna Haughey condemned the incidents.

"On what was a joyous day for the county, this was a reprehensible attack on the whole community and those involved should face justice," she said in a statement posted on social media.

"There is no place for hate or discrimination in our society and I would urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI."

SDLP councillor Thomas O'Hanlon posted images of the burned vehicles on social media and said he was "disgusted and heartbroken".

"Every single right-thinking person will condemn this," he said, insisting the incidents are not reflective of the local community who "work together for the betterment of everyone".

"They will be united in the condemnation of this," he added. "Nothing will take the shine of a brilliant day in Dublin."

Internal investigation as PSNI officers celebrate win

Separately, the PSNI has launched an internal investigation after footage was posted on social media of officers participating in All-Ireland football celebrations in Armagh.

Videos appeared to show officers driving a marked PSNI vehicle up and down a road in Camlough in front of Armagh supporters.

An orange and white flag was also flown from the vehicle's window.

District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down Superintendent Norman Haslett, said that the PSNI was "aware of footage" showing officers "taking part in celebrations" in a PSNI vehicle.

"We have commenced an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding this," he said.

TUV leader Jim Allister said he would be contacting the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable of the PSNI after what he described as a "disgraceful display by officers".

"They can be seen driving through the village waving GAA flags in a fashion which could best be described as joyriding while using the siren improperly," Mr Allister said in a statement.

He also called for the officer driving the vehicle in the video to be dismissed.