Outrage over sectarian attack on Coleraine Church

A window was smashed and attempts made to set St Malachy's Church at Nursery Avenue alight with burning rags.

Parish priest, Fr Gregory Cormican, said the congregation was saddened by the overnight attack last Wednesday.

"People here are very annoyed. It is not a good reflection of relations in Coleraine," he added.

Graffiti was sprayed at the front of the church which attacked the Pope and referred to Mr McDaid.

The 49-year-old father-of-four was attacked by loyalists after a row over republican flags in the Somerset area of Coleraine on May 24 last year.

His friend Damian Fleming, 46, was kicked and beaten into a coma.

Fr Cormican added: "This church has never been touched before and we don't want this happening here."

Mayor of Coleraine, councillor Norman Hillis, said: "I condemn any act of intimidation or provocation, and I would encourage anyone with information to contact the local PSNI station.

"Coleraine Borough Council is fully committed to improving community relations in the borough. It is recognised that building better community relations requires engagement in dialogue with all sections of the community, building new relationships and appreciating the diversity which exists within our borough.

"These efforts require long term commitment and leadership from individuals, communities, agencies, local and regional government to rebuild confidence and peace in our community. At this time I would repeat my appeal for calm."

DUP president, alderman James McClure also condemned the attack on the church, which was built in 1937.

He said: "This is a vile action in a place of worship against members of the Catholic community.

"I am appalled that attempts were made to set the building on fire.

"This is a sinister incident and I wish to express my anger at it."

East Londonderry MLA, David McClarty added: "It would appear that the individuals responsible see themselves as "loyalists" and style themselves as some kind of defenders of the Protestant community.

"I have been approached by literally dozens of people from the local Protestant community, and they are absolutely furious about what has taken place and state that they simply want to live in peace with their neighbours.

!I would appeal for anyone who can assist in catching those responsible for this incident, to contact the Police immediately, and help bring these people to justice. They have nothing of value to offer to anyone."

On the same night a house in Portstewart was also targeted with sectarian graffiti.

Some time overnight between Wednesday, 16 June and Thursday, 17 June, sectarian graffiti was sprayed on to the wall of a house in the Mill Road.

* At last night's Coleraine District Partnership meeting, Area Commander, Nicky Thompson said that police were looking for up to three people in connection with the attack on St Malachy's.

He said that the nature of the colours of the paint and the handwriting used would suggest that up to three people were involved.

He also confirmed that Ringsend Presbyterian Church had been targeted in a graffiti attack in the early hours of Monday morning and appealed for information on both incidents.