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28/05/2019
SDLP Slam Church Arson
An SDLP MLA has hit out at those behind a deliberate fire at a church in L'Derry.
The Holy Family parish in the Ballymagroarty area of the city was targeted by arsonists on Friday evening, 24 May. An outbuilding was set alight and completely destroyed, before the blaze spread to the nearby church and parochial house, causing damage to both.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he was both disappointed and disgusted after it was confirmed by the NIFRS that the blaze was started deliberately.
"Those responsible have no regard for the damage and danger that they have caused. Indeed, their actions are a stark contrast to those of the dozens of parishioners who attended the scene to see how they could help and to check that everything was ok.
"They are the real face of Ballymagroarty and of Derry- a community that comes together when times are tough. Now we need to come together and appeal to those responsible for this senseless attack to desist from this activity that puts lives at risk."
Mr Durkan also expressed relief that the blaze did not cause more damage: "I was first alerted about the fire by a phone call from a constituent who informed me that the Church was on fire. I was relieved that, when I attended the scene, the actual fire had been contained to out-buildings at the rear of the Parochial House and had not spread to the Chapel itself. This was down to the swift actions of our heroic fire-fighters.
"I would also encourage anyone with any information about this incident to pass it on to the police or anyone in authority that they are comfortable speaking to.''
Police are keen to identify two males who they believe may have been involved in starting the fire. Anyone who was in the Aileach Road area at around 10.30pm or has any information regarding the crime is urged to call detectives on 101 quoting reference 2311 of 24/05/19.
(JG/MH)
The Holy Family parish in the Ballymagroarty area of the city was targeted by arsonists on Friday evening, 24 May. An outbuilding was set alight and completely destroyed, before the blaze spread to the nearby church and parochial house, causing damage to both.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he was both disappointed and disgusted after it was confirmed by the NIFRS that the blaze was started deliberately.
"Those responsible have no regard for the damage and danger that they have caused. Indeed, their actions are a stark contrast to those of the dozens of parishioners who attended the scene to see how they could help and to check that everything was ok.
"They are the real face of Ballymagroarty and of Derry- a community that comes together when times are tough. Now we need to come together and appeal to those responsible for this senseless attack to desist from this activity that puts lives at risk."
Mr Durkan also expressed relief that the blaze did not cause more damage: "I was first alerted about the fire by a phone call from a constituent who informed me that the Church was on fire. I was relieved that, when I attended the scene, the actual fire had been contained to out-buildings at the rear of the Parochial House and had not spread to the Chapel itself. This was down to the swift actions of our heroic fire-fighters.
"I would also encourage anyone with any information about this incident to pass it on to the police or anyone in authority that they are comfortable speaking to.''
Police are keen to identify two males who they believe may have been involved in starting the fire. Anyone who was in the Aileach Road area at around 10.30pm or has any information regarding the crime is urged to call detectives on 101 quoting reference 2311 of 24/05/19.
(JG/MH)
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