29/10/2003

Nesbitt condemns attack on Catholic Church

Leading UUP representative, Dermott Nesbitt, has condemned an arson attack on a Catholic Church in Co Down yesterday.

Part of the church hall in Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle was destroyed by the fire, which police have described as "suspicious".

Mr Nesbitt said: "The South Down community in general does not want to see this type of dreadful activity which causes hurt and distress.

“It is shameful that these kind of actions still occur when we are trying to build a new future where people can live together without fear and intimidation.”

The blaze is believed to have started at around 4.30am on Tuesday. It destroyed the stage area and caused substantial smoke and water damage.

(MB)

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