There will be widespread disgust over the sustained vandalism of a disused north Belfast church during which fires were lit inside the building, an altar was desecrated and stained glass windows were smashed.
The Church of the Resurrection on the Cavehill Road has been left in a shocking state, as our coverage today graphically illustrates, with an eight-foot statue of Jesus which stood outside also stolen.
Police are investigating the theft as well as the destruction carried out within the closed site, and it is essential that they are provided with any information the public may have about the perpetrators.
It must also be hoped that the missing sacred sculpture will be returned to the Holy Family parish without delay.
