The Orange Hall was destroyed in the fire

The emergency services were called to the Commons Orange Hall on the outskirts of Newry at about 0500 BST on Saturday.

Police investigating the incident say they have not ruled out arson and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

UUP Assembly member Danny Kennedy said he believed the blaze was malicious.

"It is despicable that this attack has been carried out by republicans," he said.

The Orange Hall is on the outskirts of Newry

Mr Kennedy said the hall was in an isolated rural area and was used as a meeting place for members of the Orange Order.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Davy Hyland said it would do nothing to help community relations.

"Those carrying out these attacks, whether it is the work of mindless vandals or something more sinister, should understand that their actions will find no support in any community," he said.