Harryville priest calls off Mass

The church was attacked three times in recent weeks

Morning Mass has been cancelled at Harryville Catholic church in Ballymena.

Parish priest Fr Paul Simons said it "was for the best, particularly after the violence in the area on Saturday night".

SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan said homes recently vacated by Catholics were again attacked on Saturday night.

He said an elderly Catholic man living in the Brookvale estate was "terrified" when a lorry was burned near his home.

Harryville church has been the target of a number of sectarian attacks recently.

Fr Simons said he changed the venue for Mass to another church in case parishioners' cars were hijacked or roads blocked.

"It is better to be safe than sorry," he said.

Saturday evening Masses in Harryville church were cancelled over the summer in a bid to reduce tension in the area with services resuming at the beginning of September.

The church was attacked three times in recent weeks when paint was thrown over the building and grounds.