Red paint has been thrown at the Palace buildings in Armagh in a further act of vandalism.
It happened between Sunday evening and the early hours of Monday morning and comes just days after damage occurred at the property in relation to a pro-Palestinian protest.
At this stage, it seems that the paint was thrown on the sign and steps to the Palace.
Police in Armagh have said they are investigating the reported criminal damage.
Inspector McCullough said: “A report was received at around 6:40am today, Monday December 18, that red liquid had been poured around the door area of the building. The liquid was also discovered on signs at the entrance to the grounds.
“Our enquiries to establish the circumstances of this incident are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed any suspicious activity, or who may have any information which may assist us, to get in touch.
“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 231 of 18/12/21.”
On Tuesday evening, posters and a flag were left on the grounds following the protest, with police subsequently treating this as a hate crime.
Police also attended the building following a report of a theft on the same evening.
Armagh DUP councillor Scott Armstrong has condemned last night’s incident and has called for a full investigation of CCTV footage to identify those responsible.
He commented: “It is appalling that individuals within our borough have this much disregard for our iconic buildings. The Palace is the jewel in the crown of the whole borough and for people to go and vandalise council property boggles the mind.
“The Palace is one of our most visited buildings in the city and the whole borough. It brings tourists from all over the United Kingdom and the world. The people who threw paint over the building and damaged signs – you are damaging our city’s reputation.”
He added: “Whatever you are trying to achieve or whatever political message you want to put forward, this is not the way to do it and never will be. Those who are perpetuating these crimes are the lowest of the low and should face the full force of the law.”
