Northern Ireland

Video: 'Complete review' for north Belfast Catholic church blighted by vandals

Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road. Picture byMal McCann
Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road. Picture byMal McCann Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road. Picture byMal McCann

A DISUSED Catholic church in north Belfast is to undergo a "complete review" after being blighted by vandals.

Measures are to be taken to secure the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road after it emerged that trespassers have been using the derelict building.

The wanton vandalism at the derelict church came to light last week when it was revealed that an eight-foot tall statue of Jesus had been stolen.

The bronze statue of the Resurrected Christ was taken by thieves, while large bronze doors inside the church were removed from the the hinges and cut up.

The doors, which were estimated to be worth around £40,000 and were commissioned specially for the church, were irreparably damaged. Police believe the statue had been stolen "over the last few weeks".

Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann.
Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann. Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann.

But the theft highlighted the vandalism within the interior of the church since it was closed more than a decade ago following a review of pastoral provision in the parish.

The church has lain derelict since 2008 with trespassers clearly using it.

Church authorities last night told the Irish News that the statue had still not been returned. He also said that a "complete review" of the chapel is to be carried out.

Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann.
Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann. Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann.

A spokesman for the Down and Connor diocese said "measures have been taken to secure the site and a complete review will be undertaken".

He said that the review would involve the clear-up of the church.

Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann.
Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann. Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road Picture Mal McCann.
Tresspassers have been using the church. Picture by Mal McCann
Tresspassers have been using the church. Picture by Mal McCann Tresspassers have been using the church. Picture by Mal McCann
Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road. Picture byMal McCann
Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road. Picture byMal McCann Vandalism caused to the Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road. Picture byMal McCann