25/07/2005

Catholic church damaged in petrol bomb attack

Police in Belfast are appealing for information following a petrol bomb attack on a Catholic church in the north of the city.

Detectives said that two petrol bombs were thrown at Holy Cross Church on the Crumlin Road, from the Woodvale Road area shortly before 2.10am on Saturday. The second device caused damage to a small section of roof to the rear of the church.

Commenting on the incident, Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said there was “no justification” for the attacks.

"What happened on Saturday follows weeks of sustained attacks against nationalists living in the area where both properties and people have been attacked,” Mr Kelly said.

"Unionist leaders whether community, political and clergy need to be clear in coming out against the attack and use whatever influence they have to bring them to an end.”

Police said they are treating the incident as sectarian and have issued an appeal for information.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police in north Belfast on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB/SP)

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