Northern Ireland

Vandals 'defecate and urinate' in Derry church

Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 
Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry  Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 

VANDALS have caused extensive damage to an organ and broken stained glass windows after breaking in to a church in Derry.

Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 
Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry  Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 
Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 
Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry  Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 

The break-in happened at Christ Church on Infirmary Road at some point between Saturday afternoon and when it was discovered by a parishoner on Tuesday afternoon.

A crystal decanter used for Holy Communion services was also stolen.

Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 
Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry  Damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 

Speaking about the break-in and vandalism, Sinn Féin MP for Foyle Elisha McCallion said: "This break-in and wanton vandalism at Christchurch in Derry was disgraceful and I condemn it utterly.

"All places of worship should be treated with respect and any attack on them is an act of sacrilege."

Archdeacon Robert Miller surveys the damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry 
Archdeacon Robert Miller surveys the damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry  Archdeacon Robert Miller surveys the damage caused during a break-in at Christ Church in Derry