Menu
23/03/2006
East Belfast Church suffers substantial damage by vandals
Vandals have attacked a church in east Belfast, causing substantial damage to stained glass windows.
The incident happened at the Albert Bridge Congregational Church on the Woodstock Link, however, the attack is not thought to have had a sectarian motive.
Speaking earlier today, the Reverend Robert McEvoy said that the damage could cost up to £2,000 to repair.
He said: "It was a pointless, cowardly act of wanton vandalism, which required a determined effort on behalf of the perpetrators."
"This is not the first time that the church has been attacked in this manner, but this is the most serious incident in the history of the present building."
Reverend McEvoy continued: "The windows are protected by wire grids and the thugs would have used considerable force to do this amount of damage. It brings shame on the youths involved."
He concluded by saying that the work and witness of the church will not be deterred by such attacks.
East Belfast MLA's Sir Reg Empey and Michael Copeland today condemned the attack.
In a joint statement, they said: “Those who attack places of worship demean themselves and the section of society to which they belong. The world is becoming an increasingly godless place and those who adhere to the principles of faith should be allowed to practice in these buildings, which are amongst the most beautiful structures in our towns, villages and cities in Northern Ireland."
The MLA's continued: “An attack on the Church or place of worship is an attack on all that is good and honourable in our society. This wanton vandalism is totally unacceptable and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.”
It is not known exactly when the attack took place, however it is thought that it may have happened late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
(EF)
The incident happened at the Albert Bridge Congregational Church on the Woodstock Link, however, the attack is not thought to have had a sectarian motive.
Speaking earlier today, the Reverend Robert McEvoy said that the damage could cost up to £2,000 to repair.
He said: "It was a pointless, cowardly act of wanton vandalism, which required a determined effort on behalf of the perpetrators."
"This is not the first time that the church has been attacked in this manner, but this is the most serious incident in the history of the present building."
Reverend McEvoy continued: "The windows are protected by wire grids and the thugs would have used considerable force to do this amount of damage. It brings shame on the youths involved."
He concluded by saying that the work and witness of the church will not be deterred by such attacks.
East Belfast MLA's Sir Reg Empey and Michael Copeland today condemned the attack.
In a joint statement, they said: “Those who attack places of worship demean themselves and the section of society to which they belong. The world is becoming an increasingly godless place and those who adhere to the principles of faith should be allowed to practice in these buildings, which are amongst the most beautiful structures in our towns, villages and cities in Northern Ireland."
The MLA's continued: “An attack on the Church or place of worship is an attack on all that is good and honourable in our society. This wanton vandalism is totally unacceptable and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.”
It is not known exactly when the attack took place, however it is thought that it may have happened late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
25 January 2019
Vicious Attack Leaves Woman With Brain Bleed
A woman has been left with serious injuries in hospital after she was brutally attacked last weekend. Police said the female was walking in west Belfast early on Saturday 19 January when three unknown females carried out the unprovoked attack.
Vicious Attack Leaves Woman With Brain Bleed
A woman has been left with serious injuries in hospital after she was brutally attacked last weekend. Police said the female was walking in west Belfast early on Saturday 19 January when three unknown females carried out the unprovoked attack.
13 September 2017
Vandals Break Into Church In L'Derry
Extensive damage has been caused after vandals broke into a Church in L'Derry. The attack happened at Christ Church on Tuesday, 12 September. Significant damage was caused to an organ and stained glass window. Sinn Fein MP Elisha McCallion condemned the attack.
Vandals Break Into Church In L'Derry
Extensive damage has been caused after vandals broke into a Church in L'Derry. The attack happened at Christ Church on Tuesday, 12 September. Significant damage was caused to an organ and stained glass window. Sinn Fein MP Elisha McCallion condemned the attack.
16 May 2005
Cars outside catholic church attacked by stone throwers
A number of cars have been attacked with stones outside a catholic church in Ballymena at the weekend. Bricks and stones were thrown at the cars, parked in the grounds of the church at Harryville, as the owners attended Mass on Saturday night.
Cars outside catholic church attacked by stone throwers
A number of cars have been attacked with stones outside a catholic church in Ballymena at the weekend. Bricks and stones were thrown at the cars, parked in the grounds of the church at Harryville, as the owners attended Mass on Saturday night.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
