A priest whose church was damaged in a weekend arson attack in Co Down has
said the incident has left him both shocked and saddened.
A number of small fires were set at various locations inside St Joseph's on
Killough's Chapel Street, including the altar area.
The alarm was raised shortly after midnight on Sunday and despite the church
sustaining scorch damage, yesterday morning's Easter Sunday Mass went ahead
as planned.
Police investigating the arson attack - which is not thought to be sectarian
- arrested a 27-year old man shortly after the fires were discovered.
He remained in police custody last night.
Father Kieran Whiteford said many of the congregation were informed of the
incident during yesterday morning's 11.30am Mass.
He said: "Many of the people who came to the Easter Sunday service were
not aware what had happened but I brought it to their attention and
explained the church has been the subject of a break-in and an attempted
arson attack.
"Thankfully there wasn't too much damage and we were able to get
things back to normal before the service began.
"There was a slight smell of smoke in the air and it looks like the
altar carpet will need to be replaced.
"I'm quite shocked and very saddened by what has happened. I'm not
angry, I'm just saddened this could happen on Easter Sunday."
Anyone with information on the early morning arson attack is asked to
contact detectives in Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000.
Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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