Arson Attack On Church In South Belfast

A Presbyterian Church has been targeted in an arson attack in south Belfast.

The attack happened at the Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church in the early hours of Sunday morning, 24 July.

A significant amount of damage was caused and police said "a sectarian motive is only one of a number of lines of enquiry".

Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: "I condemn this attack, it is the second attack on a church in South Belfast in recent months.

"As with the previous attack the people behind this attack are targeting a hub of community endeavour and a place of worship and peace building.

"My thoughts are with the congregation of Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church.

"I have been in contact with them and I know they will not be deflected from their good work by this senseless act.

"I would call on anyone with information to contact the police."

Sarah Wright and Anthony Flynn Co-Chairs of the South Belfast Green Party said: "This follows the recent fire at Cairnshill Methodist Church. Both attacks are perplexing, being directed at these churches that are such valued parts of the South Belfast community, and should be condemned.

"Thankfully the damage has been somewhat limited, and the church services should be able to continue shortly. We call on the local community to forward any information they have to the PSNI to assist with their inquiries."

(CD)