Opinion

Priest subjected to terrifying ordeal

It is appalling that a north Belfast priest was subjected to a frightening ordeal by an intruder who broke into St Vincent de Paul church and parochial house early yesterday.

Fr Patrick Devlin was woken by a man armed with an axe, a terrifying experience which left him `distressed and traumatised', according to a spokesman for the Down and Connor diocese.

It is understood the keys to Fr Devlin's car and a minibus used by the local community were among items taken while a number of rooms were also ransacked.

The police have issued a description of the robber who fled the scene and hopefully the details provided, including the fact that he was accompanied by a small dog, will help ensure the perpetrator is swiftly apprehended.

Burglars breaking into a house in the middle of the night is something that causes a deep sense of fear for many people, especially the elderly.

Anyone who can assist the police in solving this disturbing crime should come forward as a matter of urgency.