The Five Demands

Co Antrim Catholic church ‘petrol bombed’ (UTV)

There has been widespread condemnation after a Catholic church was damaged in a petrol bomb attack in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

Police are investigating after the damage was reported on Sunday.

“Scorch marking on the door and side of the building suggest a petrol bomb was thrown at the premises and there is also evidence of a paint bomb having been thrown at the brickwork,” a PSNI spokeswoman said.

The church has been the target of other attacks earlier this year.

Newtownabbey Sinn Féin councillor Gerry O’Reilly condemned the latest incident as “despicable and completely sectarian”.

“The church has been targeted repeatedly and this attack was the latest in this series of incidents,” he said.

“Paint was also thrown at the church and petrol and bottles recovered nearby.

“I’m calling for those within unionism to stand shoulder to shoulder with the church’s parishioners and use whatever influence they have to end the attacks.

“Local people are very upset at this latest attack; there is no justification for such attacks on any place of worship.”

North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds said: “It is utterly appalling and inexcusable that any place of worship should be targeted for attack.

“Sectarian attacks against churches, Orange Hall or other venues are hate crimes which must be stopped,” he added.

“Whoever is carrying out these disgraceful attacks must be caught and brought to justice.”

Alliance Newtownabbey Councillors Billy Webb said he was “saddened and disgusted”.

“There have been numerous attacks on this church in the past eight months but this latest one is the most serious.

“Those who carried out this attack have no support in the community.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.