Belfast church damaged in suspected arson attack

Religious leaders have condemned a suspected arson attack on St.Patrick's church in Belfast. 

Police and Fire crews were called to the scene on Donegall Street at around 5pm on Monday. 

A curtain was set alight at the main entrance to the building causing some damage in the hallway. 

The Fire service say they're treating the blaze as deliberate. 

The flames were extinguished with a hose reel and additional smoke was forced out through the use of specialist fans. 

An elderly retired priest who lives in St.Patrick's was inside the main church building at the time, but was not injured. 

Bishop Noel Treanor said: "This criminal action is a violation of the sanctity of the Church and an attack upon the local community that has caused significant damage to the property and left the local congregation distressed and deeply upset."

"Places of worship hold deep significance for the entire community and for their congregations and they should not be targeted.

" I pay tribute to these emergency services who acted quickly to bring the fire under control and have prevented further damage to this most beloved place of worship in the heart of the city of Belfast.

"I am reassured by the many messages of support that the local clergy have received from across the community. Their support bears testimony to the fact that the repercussions of this action are felt by all within the community.