Three people were arrested after members of the Free Presbyterian Church were attacked at an open air service in a Co Antrim town.
Churchgoers attending an open-air gospel meeting in Randalstown were attacked during last night's service.
Democratic Unionist Assembly member and Free Presbyterian minister, the Rev William McCrea claimed the attackers used the public address system as weapons against "women and children".
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Members of the congregation were "traumatised" by the incident, Rev McCrea said.
His party leader, the Rev Ian Paisley blamed the attack on "republican thugs".
Rev Paisley said: "These people were attending an open air gospel service as they have done for many years in the centre of Randalstown.
"Five people, including a disabled man, had to be taken to hospital to have their injuries treated and many of those attacked were elderly.
"The public address system was completely wrecked and was used against those attending the service.
"I intend to protest to the Security Minister, Jane Kennedy in the strongest possible terms for action to be taken to prevent this thuggish behaviour happening again."
PA