Northern Ireland

Minister of Lurgan church damaged in hate crime reaches out to culprits

A brick was thrown at the front door of First Lurgan Presbyterian Church. Pic from Google
A brick was thrown at the front door of First Lurgan Presbyterian Church. Pic from Google A brick was thrown at the front door of First Lurgan Presbyterian Church. Pic from Google

THE minister of a church damaged in a hate crime in Co Armagh has offered to "reach out" to the person responsible.

Rev David Henry of First Lurgan Presbyterian Church said that if the culprit needed help in any way, he would be happy to provide it.

The church in High Street had a brick thrown at the front door, breaking a pane of glass.

Several wooden Remembrance Day crosses, placed by members of the congregation in memory of family members, were also damaged.

Police said they are treating the incident as a hate crime.

It took place some time between midday on Tuesday and 1pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Rev Henry said: "I come across people all the time who have issues and express them in different ways which are not always the best ways.

"The gospel tells us to reach out and I would like to think there is compassion in all of us, especially in this season of advent."

He added: "It's our church and we are very proud of it and we don't want anyone damaging it, but while we might not condone someone's actions, we can look behind them.

"Church is a sacred place for everyone."

Chief Inspector Jon Burrows has appealed to anyone with information or drivers who were passing and may have footage on dashcam to contact officers in Lurgan on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.