Church blaze 'not sectarian'

The fire-damaged interior of the church hall

The minister of a Protestant church in County Armagh which was targeted in an arson attack, has said he does not believe the incident was sectarian.

The Reverend Andrew Thompson, of Craigavon Presbyterian Church, said he thought the fire which destroyed a hall on Wednesday night, was the work of "a mischief maker".

Mr Thompson said community relations on the Brownlow estate, where the attack took place, were good.

The fire was the third at the church in the past 14 years.

No-one was injured in the blaze, which police said was started deliberately.

The Fire Brigade was first alerted to a fire at Craigavon Presbyterian church on Drumgore Road shortly after 2300 BST on Wednesday.

Incident 'disappointing'

They arrived to discover the roof was already well alight.

At one stage four appliances were involved in tackling the blaze.

Rev Andrew Thompson: "Fire was not sectarian"

It is thought the fire started in the roof of the church.

The Reverend Andrew Thompson said the incident "would sadden and disappoint us as a congregation".

"But we have been through the process a couple of times in the past.

"It simply increases our resolve to work and to build again and to build relations with the community in the area."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact them.