18/02/2002

Church attack condemned as 'sacrilege'

A Presbyterian church in north Belfast has been badly damaged by burglars who escaped with a multi-gym, two stereo sets and a television.

The thieves set off fire extinguishers and went on a wrecking spree in broad daylight at Fortwilliam Church, on the junction of Fortwilliam Park and the Antrim Road, sometime between 3pm and 6.30pm on Sunday February 17.

SDLP assembly member for North Belfast Alban Maginness has condemned the burglary as "sacrilege". Mr Maginness said: "It appears that those responsible set out to do as much damage to the church as they could. They set off fire extinguishers and caused substantial damage to the church. These people are mindless thugs who have no respect for church property. It is absolutely scandalous that church property should be damaged in this way"

Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(AMcE)

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