Bishop in village after attacks

Bishop Patrick Walsh met parishioners in Ahoghill

The Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor has visited parishioners in County Antrim after a number of sectarian attacks in the area.

Bishop Patrick Walsh told parishioners at St Mary's church in Ahoghill he wanted to show his support and concern after recent attacks in the village.

The church he had chosen to visit has also been targeted - attacked with paint three times in the last month.

Bishop Walsh called on the police to bring the attackers before the courts.

He said officers must do everything possible to protect law abiding citizens.

The bishop also said that the majority of residents in Ahoghill wanted to live together in what he called a genuine community which embraced all.

But he added that it was not enough to simply give support and said everyone must put sincere wishes into actions.

Bishop Walsh also called on elected representatives to engage in constructive dialogue and said there must be a total commitment by all to work for the common good.

Police pledge

Meanwhile, Superintendent Terry Shevlin, the police commander for the Ballymena region, said his officers were working hard to stop the atacks.

"I would like to reassure the public that we are doing all that we can to bring the attacks and intimidation to an end," Mr Shevlin said.

"I thank those who have already come forward to assist us, and would encourage anyone who has any information regarding any recent act of intimidation in the area to provide us with the evidence that we need to place offenders before the courts."

The latest attacks in the village came on Monday, when a Catholic church and school were splattered with paint, the same night as an attack on a Catholic couple's home.

On Friday, an SDLP delegation raised the issue of loyalist violence, including the Ahoghill attacks, with government minister Lord Rooker.