Police investigating a fire which destroyed a Catholic church in Co Antrim believe it was started deliberately.
A charred shell was all that remained of St Bernard's Church on the Antrim Road, Glengormley, yesterday. The roof of the building was well alight when firefighters arrived early yesterday. Insp Andy McInnis confirmed that the RUC was treating the incident as suspected arson.
He said the results of forensic tests, due to be carried out yesterday, should establish how the blaze started.
"I would appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to this fire or who was in the area between midnight and approximately 3 a.m. to come forward," Insp McInnis said.
Father Daniel Whyte, parish priest, said problems existed with rival groups of youths in the area but the church had never before been targeted.
Father Whyte assured his 2,500 parishioners that the church would be rebuilt. He estimated it could cost £2 million. "We will do that as quickly as possible . . . it is our priority."
Seven fire appliances fought the blaze for several hours. The assistant divisional fire officer, Mr Stephen Stewart, said they succeeded in preventing the fire spreading to the nearby primary school but could not save the church. Morning Mass was celebrated in the assembly hall of the school yesterday.
Representatives of the Protestant churches condemned the fire. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Dr Alastair Dunlop, also visited the scene to show support. "Attacking any church property is something that should not happen," he said.
Last week a Presbyterian church near Gilford, Co Down, was destroyed in an arson attack.