Sunday, April 05, 2026

Sectarian hate crime probe launched after attack on Fermanagh church

Police are treating burglary and vandalism at a church in Newtownbutler as a sectarian hate crime.

Galloon Parish Church in the High Street area of Newtownbutler was attacked on Saturday, with police called around 3.15pm.

Paint had been thrown at walls and windows, while graffiti including IRA slogans were written inside.

Fire extinguishers were also set off while other items were smashed and investigating officers say they are now treating it as a sectarian hate crime.

And they are urging anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area to come forward and help them with their investigation.

Sergeant Connolly said: “Shortly after 3.15pm, it was reported that paint had been thrown on the outside walls and windows of one part of the building, and graffiti scrawled inside a room.

“The room was also completely ransacked, with fire extinguishers having been set off, tables and chairs knocked over, and a number of items smashed on the floor.

“Enquiries are this morning ongoing in order to establish the circumstances of the incident, which we are treating as a sectarian motivated hate crime, and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area, or have any information which might assist us, to get in touch.

“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 853 of 04/04/26.”