AN attack on a Newry church was last night described as a "despicable and evil act".
A stained glass window at First Presbyterian Church in the John Mitchel Place area was damaged overnight on Wednesday.
The window was also smashed in a similar attack last year.
The PSNI last night said it was being treated as a "hate crime" and appealed to "anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police".
Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady said he was "appalled" by the attack.
"It is a despicable act of vandalism and hate," he said.
"It has deeply angered and offended the entire community.
"I appeal to all to stand up against these criminals, assist the police in their inquiries and ensure those behind this hate outrage are brought to justice."
Ulster Unionist councillor David Taylor said it had "caused outrage among the community".
"The attack on First Presbyterian Church Newry which has resulted in a stained glass window at the church building being damaged, is a despicable and evil act," he said.
"It is vital that the perpetrators of this sickening act are brought to justice and as such, I would appeal to anyone with information on the attack to report it to the police immediately."
