A scene which depicts a couple engaging in a lewd act on the altar of a church has been removed from a music video following complaints by priests.

The video in question, Half Light by DJ Wilkinson, was shot at a number of locations in Belfast, including the Good Shepherd Church on the Ormeau Road.

The scene appears to show two actors half-dressed and engaging in a lewd act on the church's altar. The church has since asked for the scene to be removed and it appears that those behind the official video have compiled to the request.

However, in a statement the church said that it has been left "desecrated" and "grievously distressed" by the scene.

The Down and Connor diocese stated: "No permission was either sought or granted to film the interior of the parish church within the context of any conduct or activities that were not relating to prayer or homage and in accordance with the sanctity of the Church.

"The behaviour in the video was a desecration of the Church and caused most grievous distress to the parish priest and if viewed by the parishioners would cause severe hurt and distress to the wider parish community.

"For these reasons, to protect the Church and its parishioners, the Diocese of Down and Connor immediately brought these concerns to the attention of the distributors and creators of the material which was unlawfully obtained by deception and trespass.

"The originators/creators and distributors gave us an undertaking that the unlawful material would be removed from circulation and destroyed."

(JP)