An investigation has been launched after two churches were broken into in the same village in Northern Ireland on Christmas Day.
The incidents took place in Newtownhamilton in Co Armagh, near the border with Co Monaghan, reports RTE.
One of the churches targeted was St Michael’s Catholic Church on Dundalk Street.
The second was Second Newtownhamilton Presbyterian Church on the Castleblayney Road, reports RTE.
The PSNI said both buildings were damaged and that a number of items were taken.
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It is believed the break-ins happened between 3pm on Christmas Day and 9am the following morning, reports RTE.
Items stolen included electronic speakers and a wall clock.
“We are appealing to anyone that may have noted suspicious activity in the area of these places of worship in particularly around Dundalk Road, Newtownhamilton and Castleblaney Street, Newtownhamilton during this time frame,” a police spokesperson said, reports RTE.
“Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood Policing Team are also aware of these incidents and have increased patrols in these areas,” reports RTE.
Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan condemned the burglaries, saying “Targeting places of worship at any time shows a complete disregard for the community. But during the Christmas period, it is reprehensible,” reports RTE.
The PSNI asked anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the Dundalk Street or Castleblayney Street areas of Newtownhamilton, or who has CCTV, dashcam or other relevant information, to contact police.
Anyone with information or who may have CCTV or dash cam footage from the area at the time is being asked to get in touch with police, reports RTE.
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