16/01/2006

Suspected arson attack on West Belfast convent

A convent in West Belfast has been targeted in a suspected arson attack over the weekend.

The Convent of Mercy in the Beechmount area suffered damage to the kitchen and the roof during the incident, which happened at around 9.50pm Friday.

The nine elderly nuns, the oldest believed to be 98-years-old, are said to be very distressed by what has happened.

The women say that they have always had a good relationship with the community, but will now have to step up security on the premises.

Police believe the fire was started deliberately in a storage shed, which then spread to the convent. There were no injuries to residents and no one needed to be moved from the building.

(EF/SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 February 2024
Tourism NI Launch New 'Get Into Tourism' Training Course
Tourism NI has announced the launch of a new accredited training course, designed to encourage people to 'Get Into Tourism'. The organisation has teamed up with Belfast Metropolitan College to deliver the free Level 2 City and Guilds qualifications.
27 March 2024
SSE Arena Implements Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' Technology
Belfast's SSE Arena has become the first indoor venue in Europe to implement Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' technology, offering frictionless checkout-free shopping and revolutionising the fan experience.
09 February 2024
Chief Constable Criticised For Not Inviting UUP To PNSI Graduation
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has criticised PNSI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, for his failure to invite their party leader, Doug Beattie, to the PSNI Graduation Ceremony. UUP member of the Policing Board, Mike Nesbitt, said: "For the avoidance of doubt, I welcome the fact Michelle O'Neill MLA will attend in her capacity as First Minister.
28 March 2024
Investigation Launches Into South Belfast Arson Attack
South Belfast PSNI have issued an appeal for information following an arson attack at a commercial premises in the Diamond Gardens area of Finaghy, in the early hours of Thursday 28th March.
16 April 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack at a property in south Belfast. At approximately 10.20pm on Saturday, 13 April, police received a report of a fire at a house in the Kilburn Street area. Police attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.