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| Fire at church 'suspected arson' | Fire at church 'suspected arson' |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| A fire at a Baptist church in County Down is being treated as suspicious, police have said. | A fire at a Baptist church in County Down is being treated as suspicious, police have said. |
| Downpatrick Baptist Church at Church Street was extensively damaged in the blaze which happened at about 1800 BST on Saturday evening. | Downpatrick Baptist Church at Church Street was extensively damaged in the blaze which happened at about 1800 BST on Saturday evening. |
| Police and fire officers have been unable to enter the building so far because it is too dangerous. | |
| SDLP councillor Colin McGrath said this was an unprovoked attack on the Baptist community. | SDLP councillor Colin McGrath said this was an unprovoked attack on the Baptist community. |
| "It is entirely possible that they may think that, because of these attacks, in some shape or form they are not welcome in Down district," he said. | |
| "I certainly want to assure them that is not the case. These are the actions of one two or three individuals and are certainly not reflective of the community." | |
| Police have appealed to anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact them. | Police have appealed to anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact them. |