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Residents have been advised to stay out of Greenisland Church of Ireland’s grounds due to safety concerns following an arson attack at the Station Road site on September 1.

Significant damage was caused during the blaze, which at it’s peak saw nine fire appliances and 49 personnel carrying out firefighting operations at the scene.

The east Antrim-based congregation celebrated their 70th anniversary a number of hours before the attack, with the Archbishop, the Bishop and previous Rectors attending a special thanksgiving service.

News of the fire was met with shock and sadness in the local community.

Members of the public have been asked to stay out of Greenisland Church of Ireland's grounds due to the fragile state of the building following the recent arson attack. (Pic: Greenisland Parish).

Providing an update on social media, a spokesperson for the church said: “Please spread the word: for everyone’s safety, Greenisland Parish is now completely out of bounds - the church, the garden, the parish centre, the shop: everything.

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"The building is in a fragile state and may collapse further at any moment. Please keep out beyond the fence and stay safe.

"On a brighter note, all the clubs and organisations that usually start up in September are still going to start up - just in a range of different locations, thanks to the many generous invitations we’ve received to use venues all around Greenisland.”

Police confirmed on September 8 that three boys have been charged with arson in relation to the fire.

Officers stated that two of the young suspects are aged 11, while the other is 10.

All three have been charged with arson and are due to appear at Belfast Youth Court on Monday, September 30.

Community urged to stay out of Greenisland church grounds following arson attack