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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Fire at church 'suspected arson' | Fire at church 'suspected arson' |
| (about 4 hours 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. | Police and fire officers have been unable to enter the building so far because it is too dangerous. |
| Pastor Joseph White, who helped build the church more than 40 years ago, said his congregation were very upset. | |
| "My granddaughter rang me and said there was a fire, when we came down it was practically burned out," he said. | |
| "Our main thoughts were of the memories we have had there over the years, it is a bitter regret to see it going like that." | |
| 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. | "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." | "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. |