McGimpsey condemns attack on Belfast pastor

Chris McGimpsey, the Ulster Unionist parliamentary candidate for West Belfast, has strongly condemned an attack on the home of a leading Shankill Road pastor and community worker.

The front windows of Pastor McKee’s house in north Belfast were smashed and his car destroyed by a petrol bomb on Wednesday night.

In a statement, Mr McGimpsey said described the attack as “disgraceful”.

"There can be no justification for this utterly deplorable incident – Pastor McKee, through his many endeavours such as the Liberty taxi service, makes a positive contribution to the area,” Mr McGimpsey said.

"It is appalling that a Christian minister, who is committed to helping the community, can be attacked and intimidated in his own home. I would appeal for those behind last night's disgraceful attack to consider their actions and recognise that they only succeed in damaging the community.

Pastor McKee said he had no doubt that the incident was linked to his Christian based taxi firm, Liberty, and to public statements he had made recently.

(MB/GB)