On Friday night (June 20) several windows were broken at St Ninian’s Church of Ireland on the Whitewell Road.

Speaking to The CT, Reverend Hayden Foster said: “It is just happening on a regular basis.

“It is just vandalism — young people with nothing else to do. They came into the grounds and pulled off the railings that covered the window and managed to get in to the church.

“In previous incidents, windows have been broken as well which is very costly in terms of finance.”

Reverend Foster denied there was a sectarian element to it, insisting it was just vandalism.

“This vandalism is happening in the whole area,” he said. “If it was sectarian, we would be the only ones to be targeted.”

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds condemned the attack and said: “I visited the church over the weekend to see for myself the damage caused and to speak to members of the church who were trying to clear things up.

“This church has suffered previous damage with windows smashed last year and ongoing attempts to remove parts of the roof covering.

“The church members have worked very hard at cultivating good relations with their neighbours in this mainly nationalist area and it is extremely disappointing and disheartening for them to see the damage that continues to be afflicted on the fabric of the church building through these wanton acts of criminal damage.

“I would appeal to local people in the vicinity to keep a look out for any malicious activity and to report any attacks on the church to the police.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Police in north Belfast are investigating an incident of criminal damage at a church on the Whitewell Road sometime before 9pm on Friday, June 20.

“Several windows were broken and a fire extinguisher was set off. Anyone with information or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.”

The spokeswoman added no motive has been established.