Arson attack on church building

A Catholic church in Co Antrim has been damaged in an arson attack. The church community in Northern Ireland is said to be deeply shocked after the attack on its building.

Parish priest Fr Damian McCaughan discovered the fire at Our Lady and St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ballymoney on Sunday evening. He extinguished the blaze which was at the side door of the building and said it’s a mystery why his church was targeted.

Fr McCaughan said the person or people who committed the attack should come into the church and pray rather than use their time committing this sort of crime.

Police are appealing for information, following the report of criminal damage at the side door of Our Lady and St Patrick’s Catholic Church in the Castle Street area of Ballymoney.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report shortly after 9.45pm that the side door of a church in the Castle Street area of the town had been set alight. The fire was extinguished before the arrival of officers and thankfully no injuries were reported. Some damage was caused to the door as a result of the fire and we are investigating what happened as a deliberate arson attack.“Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1540 19/11/23.”

(Picture Courtesy: Ballymoney & Derrykeighan Catholic Parish/Facebook)