Man charged after church and Orange hall damaged

Scorch damage was caused to a window at St Johnston's Orange hall

A man has been charged after suspected arson attacks on a Catholic church, an Orange hall and a Masonic hall in County Donegal.

He is due to appear before Letterkenny District Court later on Thursday.

The man, who is in his 20s, was arrested on Wednesday night as Gardaí (Irish police) carried out searches in the area.

Earlier, detectives said they were trying to establish a motive for the attacks and if they were linked.

Gardaí at St Johnston's Masonic hall on Thursday morning, as they continued their investigations into the attacks

The historic buildings which were targeted include St Baithin's Catholic church, on Chapel Road, which was built in the 1850s.

Scorch damaged was caused to the Orange hall, on Main Street, which dates back to the early 19th century.

The Masonic hall, on Derry Road, was also damaged by fire.

It was rebuilt after burning down in the 1970s.

Police erected cordons at all three buildings on Thursday morning as their investigations continued.

St Johnston has a population of about 600 people and is situated on Lough Foyle about three miles from the border with Northern Ireland.