Derry-Londonderry church 'deliberately' set on fire, says NIFRS

It happened at Holy Family Church in Ballymagroarty.

Q Newsdesk

Youths have allegedly set fire to a church in Derry-Londonderry, destroying out buildings, and damaging the parochial house and church roof.

 


Four fire crews tackled the blaze last night, at the Holy Family Church in Ballymagroarty.

 

The blaze took hold after garage at the rear of the church were set alight.


Parish Priest Father Paddy O’Kane told Q Radio he was shocked and upset by what had happened.

 

He said he will pray for those responsible:

 

 

NIFRS Group Commander Andy Burns told Q radio he believes the fire was started deliberately:

 

Detective Constable Fielding said: “An outbuilding adjacent to Holy Family on Aileach Road was set alight at around 10.30pm. The blaze spread to the church and nearby parochial house causing damage to both. The outbuilding was completely destroyed. At this stage we believe two males may have been involved in starting this fire and we are keen to identify them. We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at around the time of the fire or anyone who may have information regarding this crime. The number to call is 101, please quote reference 2311 24/05/19.”

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