Bishop says 'policing inadequate'

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A bishop has launched a stinging attack on the police over their response to ongoing attacks on a Belfast church.

Church of Ireland bishop Harold Miller said there was "an inadequacy of community policing".

Children threw slates, smashed windows and let off firecrackers during services at St Donard's Church.

However, the PSNI has rejected the claims and insisted there were now more police officers patrolling the streets than before.

Mr Miller, the bishop of Down and Dromore, criticised a "lack of visibility of police on the streets, the difficulty in getting hold of police in the community".

He said there had been a "slow response" of the police in some situations.

The bishop praised the rector, the Reverend Charles McCartney, for his courage and leadership in response to the vandalism.

'Slow to respond'

The incidents had highlighted many important issues in the community of east Belfast, said Bishop Miller.

"The inadequacy of community policing. For whatever reason, the story of policing this past week at St Donard's is the all-too-common cry of ordinary citizens in their own homes and lives.

"The lack of visibility of police on the streets, the difficulty in getting hold of police in the community, the slow response in situations which means that it is too late to catch those who are committing the crime, and the perceived response, 'There's nothing we can do'."

Children 'playing' on the roof of the church

Chief Superintendent George Hamilton said denied there was an inadequacy of community policing.

"Policing with the community in east Belfast, as in many other areas across Northern Ireland, has been a story of success.

"Officers have worked hard with members of the community to reduce crime and deal with anti social behaviour.

"Only this morning, I met with the local minister at St Donard's who acknowledged the work being carried out by police to tackle crime.

"The comments made by the Bishop of Down and Dromore are therefore disappointing."