Sectarian attacks on churches, Ballymena
09 Jul 2009
Police in Ballymena are investigating a number of sectarian attacks on catholic churches in the area over night between Wednesday, 8 July and Thursday, 9 July.
Five churches were attacked with paint bombs. Churches at Crebilly Road, Ballymena, Larne Road, Ballymena, Portglenone Road, Ahoghill, Ballymena Road, Cullybackey and Ballymena Road, Portglenone were all damaged during the incidents.
Speaking following the incidents, the local police commander, Chief Inspector Ryan Henderson condemned the attacks while appealing to the public for help.
He said: "Attacks such as these must be condemned by the entire community as should similar attacks on other property such as orange halls and other community facilities. This type of crime is totally unacceptable and quite often results in further attacks which affect everyone. I would like to assure people that police will be doing all we can to bring those responsible for these attacks before the courts and to try to ensure that no further damage is caused. But we need assistance so I would appeal to those out there who do have information, to bring it to us and help stop these incidents."
