Greenisland: major fire ripping through church was arson attack

Police said today (Monday) that a major fire which damaged a church and church all in Co Antrim last night was an arson attack

A total of 49 firefighters and nine appliances attended the blaze at Greenlisland Church of Ireland.

The church had hosted a special event earlier in the day to mark its 70th aniversary.

The road had been closed to traffic.

Police are appealing for information and a spokesperson said: “At approximately 9.10pm, we received a report of a fire at the property on the Station Road.

“Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire Service attended and the blaze was extinguished.

"The church was celebrating its 70th anniversary this week, and last night was busy in particular. Thankfully no one was injured, however a significant amount of damage was caused to both buildings.

“We are treating this as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV, doorbell or other footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1437 of 01/09/24.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Late last night a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said the operation was "ongoing".

"We would advise members of the public to avoid the area where possible and nearby homeowners to keep their windows and doors closed," said the spokesperson.

Footage from the scene indicates the fire has caused major damage to the building.

Meanwhile, the church's Facebook page posted a message on Sunday night saying the "terrible" fire had started at the back of the building.

"We are just so thankful that the building was empty and nobody has been hurt," said the statement.