Petrol bombs thrown at church
POLICE in Antrim are appealing for information after a church was petrol bombed earlier this week.
Sometime between the evening of Sunday, May 27 and the morning of Monday, May 28, two petrol bombs were thrown at the entrance of the Elim Church on New Street, causing scorch damage to the two doors.
Local DUP MLA Trevor Clarke also revealed that earlier on Sunday passers-by also threw water balloons into the church, disrupting a service.
“Worse was to happen later that night as the church building was attacked with petrol bombs, causing extensive damage,” he said.
He added: “I am absolutely disgusted at these mindless acts of violence. It is a despicable act to attack any property in such a way, but to throw petrol bombs at a church – a safe-haven of the Randalstown community – is beyond belief.”
Mr Clarke said Pastor Sam McClurg, from Randalstown Elim Church, and his congregation were “understandably devastated by what has happened”.
“Pastor McClurg has stressed to me that it is ‘a time for cool heads and calm responses’, as he doesn’t want any form of retaliation to this act of violence,” Mr Clarke said.
He added: “I wholeheartedly agree with this stance and admire the strength of character shown by the pastor and his congregation.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Antrim Police Station on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Antrim
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
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