Vandals target church
Thursday, 22 May 2008
VANDALS operating in Kilrea have damaged a Church, a church graveyard and a Rectory in the village's Church Street.
The latest incidents were reported on earlier this month, after a total of 16 stained glass windows of St Patrick's Church of Ireland were broken, and a height barrier at the entrance to the Rectory was damaged.
In previous incidents, vandals knocked over three headstones in the Church of Ireland's graveyard and badly damaged a fourth. Police say that the incidents are being treated as hate crimes, and have urged the local community to assist them with their enquiries into the matter.
Sergeant Jeremy Thompson is disgusted by the actions of those responsible. He said: "This damage cannot be allowed to continue unchecked, and we will not hesitate to place before the Courts anyone found damaging the property of this or any other church in the village. The community must come together and assist us on this issue to ensure that this wanton vandalism is stopped once and for all."
SDLP Councillor John Dallat wholly condemned the attacks adding that the select few of those responsible did not in any way reflect view of Kilrea town residents .
“Firstly we condemn these incidents wholly and urge anyone with information to go straight to the police. I have met the rector of St Patrick's church and discussed things positively, and I am determined to send the message loud and clear to the people doing this that the Catholic community are equally appalled by what they are doing and we will be sending our support to St Patrick's Church.
The East Derry MLA who is actively involved in the town's Community Forum added that those harbouring hate had no place in today's society.
