Belfast Church Damaged In Attack

A Catholic church in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, has been left damaged in a suspected petrol bomb attack.

Paint is also believed to have been thrown at St Mary's Star of the Sea church on the Shore Road in north Belfast.

The damage was reported on Sunday and police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

The attack has received widespread condemnation from Northern Ireland's political parties.

Sinn Féin Councillor, Gerry O'Reilly, described the attack as "despicable and completely sectarian."

He added: "St Mary's has been targeted repeatedly and this attack was the latest in this series of incidents.

"Paint was also thrown at the church and petrol and bottles recovered nearby.

"I'm calling for those within Unionism to stand shoulder to shoulder with St Mary's parishioners and use whatever influence they have to end the attacks.

"Local people are very upset at this latest attack. There is no justification for such attacks on any place of worship."

Alliance Newtownabbey Councillors Billy Webb and John Blair also criticised those behind the attack, with Mr Webb saying he was "saddened and disgusted that anyone can justify attacking a place of worship."

"There have been numerous attacks on this church in the past eight months but this latest one is the most serious. This attack and previous incidents have been condemned by the vast majority of people. Those who carried out this attack have no support in the community," he added.

North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds added: "It is utterly appalling and inexcusable that any place of worship should be targeted for attack.

"Sectarian attacks against churches, Orange Hall or other venues are hate crimes which must be stopped.

"Whoever is carrying out these disgraceful attacks must be caught and brought to justice."

(JP/CD)