Limavady: Sectarian hate crime at Catholic church condemned by politicians

Nationalist MLA’s for East Derry have condemned a sectarian hate crime in Limavady.

Police have launched an investigation after 'UDA' and 'UFF' were daubed on the doors of St Mary’s Catholic Church at Irish Green Street in the town.

A crucifix in the church grounds was also splattered with paint.

The crime was reported to the police around 8.35am this morning (July 31).

Sinn Fein MLA for East Derry, Caoimhe Archibald said: “First and foremost, this is a sectarian hate crime and those responsible should be brought to book.

“Parishioners and locals are incensed by this disgraceful graffiti attack on St Mary’s Chapel, which is nothing more than blatant sectarian vandalism.

“This attack comes after an increase in the numbers of paramilitary flags being flown and a surge in kerb painting in the town.

“I would urge all elected and community leaders within unionism to show leadership in order to bring an end to the tensions in the area caused by marking territory in this way.”

And, SDLP MLA John Dallat said: “There is absolutely no place for sectarian graffiti in our society, let alone on the walls and doors of a Church. This is an act of vandalism and is completely unacceptable.

“I utterly condemn those behind this, and they should be ashamed of their actions. They do not represent the people of East Derry and it will not be tolerated.”

Both political representatives appealed for anyone with information on the incident to contact the PSNI immediately.