Gardaí say arson attack was isolated incident

Gardai in west Cork investigating a suspected arson attack on an Anglican church in Castletownbere say it was an isolated incident - and not an attack on the local Protestant community.

Several parts of St Peter’s Church, including the altar and vestry, were damaged in an apparent attempt to set the building alight.

The fire brigade was called to the scene at around 9.30pm yesterday. Gardai have since collected forensic evidence and said they are following a definite line of inquiry.

Gardaí stressed that the fire was an isolated incident.