East Belfast Church suffers substantial damage by vandals

Vandals have attacked a church in east Belfast, causing substantial damage to stained glass windows.

The incident happened at the Albert Bridge Congregational Church on the Woodstock Link, however, the attack is not thought to have had a sectarian motive.

Speaking earlier today, the Reverend Robert McEvoy said that the damage could cost up to £2,000 to repair.

He said: "It was a pointless, cowardly act of wanton vandalism, which required a determined effort on behalf of the perpetrators."

"This is not the first time that the church has been attacked in this manner, but this is the most serious incident in the history of the present building."

Reverend McEvoy continued: "The windows are protected by wire grids and the thugs would have used considerable force to do this amount of damage. It brings shame on the youths involved."

He concluded by saying that the work and witness of the church will not be deterred by such attacks.

East Belfast MLA's Sir Reg Empey and Michael Copeland today condemned the attack.

In a joint statement, they said: “Those who attack places of worship demean themselves and the section of society to which they belong. The world is becoming an increasingly godless place and those who adhere to the principles of faith should be allowed to practice in these buildings, which are amongst the most beautiful structures in our towns, villages and cities in Northern Ireland."

The MLA's continued: “An attack on the Church or place of worship is an attack on all that is good and honourable in our society. This wanton vandalism is totally unacceptable and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.”

It is not known exactly when the attack took place, however it is thought that it may have happened late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

(EF)