12/08/2002

Politicians condemn attack on congregation

Politicians and community representatives have condemned an attack on an open-air service of the Free Presbyterian Church in Randalstown on Sunday.

The attack on members of the church, which included a disabled man, women and children, occurred shortly after 8.30pm at Moore's Entry in the town.

The Reverend Phillip Millen, who was leading the service, claimed a group of men started shouting expletives at the congregation before eventually attacking the crowd and wrecking the church's audio equipment.

Three men have been arrested in connection to the incident.

Free Presbyterian minister, the Reverend William McCrea, claimed the attackers used the public address system as weapons against "women and children". The DUP leader Ian Paisley, who jointly set up the Free Presbyterian Church, blamed the attack on republicans.

Sinn Fein's Martin Meehan also condemned the attack, describing those who carried out the attack as "thugs". However, his party said any claims that the men were members of the IRA were "malicious nonsense".

Five people, including the disabled man, had to be taken to hospital to have their injuries treated and many of those attacked were elderly.

(MB)

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

25 July 2016
Arson Attack On Church In South Belfast
A Presbyterian Church has been targeted in an arson attack in south Belfast. The attack happened at the Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church in the early hours of Sunday morning, 24 July. A significant amount of damage was caused and police said "a sectarian motive is only one of a number of lines of enquiry".
06 August 2015
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage. It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont.
31 January 2013
House Damaged In Petrol Bomb attack
A house in Larne has been damaged in a petrol bomb attack, according to police. It happened on Church Way at around 10.30pm on Wednesday. A man was in the house at the time but was unhurt. Minor damage was caused to the property and a window was smashed. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
29 March 2017
Body Found In River Foyle Is Missing Jack Glenn
A body recovered from the River Foyle in L'Derry is that of Jack Glenn, police have confirmed. The 23-year-old had been missing since 02 February. His father Colin thanked the public for their support. Posting on social media her said: "At last I can confirm we got Jack back.
17 November 2014
Funeral Held For 8-Year-Old Adam Gilmour
The funeral has taken place of 8-year-old Adam Gilmour, who died when his family was hit by a car as they walked to get on a school bus. Adam, "died instantly" when he, his mother and five of his siblings were hit by a car near Cloughmills last Tuesday.