10/03/2006

Vandals attack Catholic church in east Belfast

Police are appealing for information following a racist attack on a Catholic church in east Belfast last night.

Vandals entered St Colmcille's church on the Upper Newtownards Road and daubed graffiti and excrement on the walls.

While police were alerted to the scene at around 8pm yesterday, details of the incident were only released today.

Commenting on the attack on St Colmcille's Church, Ulster Unionist Spokesperson on Community & Race Relations Esmond Birnie has said: "“I want to add my voice to the many condemnations of last night’s vile attacks on a Catholic Church on the Upper Newtownards Road.

“In a week’s time we should be celebrating St Patrick’s Day, but it seems that all too many people within our society have scant respect or tolerance for the beliefs of others.

“A particular cause for concern in this case was that some of the grafitti indicated race hatred.”

Detectives in east Belfast have asked for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information relating to it, to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/SP)

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